Discover Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

Bliss Mill, Chipping Norton: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bliss_Mill_at_Chipping_Norton_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1517796.jpg
Author: Steve Daniels


Chipping Norton is a market town in West Oxfordshire, England. Located some 19 km (12 mi) to the southwest of Banbury, it has a population of around 7,000 people (2012 estimate).

The area around Chipping Norton has since human presence going back to the prehistoric age. Among the evidence is the Rollright Stones, a stone circle just 4 km (2.5 mi) out of town. The town itself probably dates back to after the Norman Conquest, when the hilltop motte-and-bailey Chipping Norman Castle was built, and a village developed at the foot of the hill around it.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin was one of the first buildings in Chipping Norton. Its oldest parts date from the 12th century, with additions from later centuries. During the Middles Ages the area was an important wool production center. Wealth from wool production enabled the merchants of Chipping Norton to build fine houses, many of which still stand today.

The Industrial Revolution descended on Chipping Norton from the late 18th century. It manufactured gloves, wool, textile, among others. There was a tannery here as well as an iron foundry. Railway lines were built to connect it with other towns in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. However many of these lines were shut down in the 20th century, as road replaces rail as the main mode of transportation.

St Mary's Church, Chipping Norton: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Church_of_St_Mary,_Chipping_Norton_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1955588.jpg
Author: Richard Rogerson

Visiting Chipping Norton

Take the M40 motorway from London to Junction 11. Head west on the A422 road to enter Banbury, then continue south on the A361 road to reach Chipping Norton.

Places of Interest in Chipping Norton

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