Chipping Norton, England

 

This afternoon, I am posting information on the popular Cotswolds market town of Chipping Norton.

Chipping Norton has a population of about 6,000 persons. Here can be found a wide variety of shops ranging from supermarkets to craft outlets plus various hospitality venues such as pubs and hotels.

The town lies 82 miles NW of London and benefits from good road access.The nearest railway station is Moreton-in-Marsh, some nine miles away.

The locale has a history stretching back at least 2000 years. A Romano-British rural settlement dating from the 1st to 4th century AD has been found with evidence of possible Iron Age (750 BC-43 AD) origins.The site consists of the buried remains of rectilinear stone houses within walled enclosures with possible shrines, bathhouse and cemetery.Access via trackways or roads located to the east.

The word 'Chipping' is derived from the Old English meaning 'a market' or 'market place'. This points to Anglo-Saxon origins in the first millennium.

Today, Chipping Norton is best known as the base for the 'Chipping Norton Set'.This is a loose/informal network of the great, good and wealthy which has coalesced around the town no doubt attracted by rolling Cotswold countryside, rich farmland, upscale housing and proximity to London.

 Here is a selection of images taken during a recent visit:-

Unusual house architecture

 Town Centre

 

 Parade of small shops

 Interesting architectural feature on the Co-op Building

 Side road with Pub

 

 Town Hall

 More shops

 Ancient town building

 

Craft shop

Yet more shops

 

Street view

Finally, a dip into Chipping Norton's industrial past. Bliss Mill was built in 1872 for the local Bliss family, who came from a line of textile producers. The Mill was designed to look like a grand Italianate country house, with its chimney rising through a central dome. Its architecture is distinctive.Bliss Mill ceased production in the 1980s, and the Mill was later converted into 40 luxury apartments in 1989.

Here is a link to a tour of the Cotswolds.

MORE INFORMATION

Various media outlets continue to report on the popularity of Chipping Norton as a holiday/vacation destination for celebrities and even U.S. politicians. In light of this trend I am posting below links to popular local villages,historic sites and towns which may be of interest to visitors.

Whichford:Best known for it's pottery and connected restaurant/cafe.

Long Compton:A quite village which is home to the well regarded Red Lion Inn.

Brailes:High elevation. Split into 'Upper Brailes' and 'Lower Brailes'. 

Hook Norton:Classic honey-coloured houses. Here is an excellent brewery which offers tours and refreshments.

Rollright Stones: An evocative stone circle being part of a group which spans nearly 2000 years of Neolithic and Bronze Age Development. 

Cherington: A quite village.

Stourton (Cotswolds Distillery):Adjacent to Cherington. Distillery tours and refreshments  are available

Shipston-on-Stour: A market town close to the River Stour.

Moreton-in-Marsh: An historic market town situated close to the Roman Fosse Way.

Chastleton:Home to an impressive 17th century mansion.

Bourton-on-the-Hill: A traditional village with glorious views.

Stratford-upon-Avon: Technically, not within the Cotswolds but famous as the birthplace (and burial place) of William Shakespeare.

Swalcliffe: A fascinating village with Saxon origins which is close to an extensive Roman settlement.

Chipping Campden:A popular visitor destination with thatched houses and a 17th century market hall.

Broadway Tower: Visitors can climb 1024 feet to the top and avail of superb views.

Stow-on-the-Wold: A large village with extensive honey-coloured properties dating from 18th century, 

Upper Slaughter: Extremely picturesque small village featuring a stream and ancient manor house.

Lower Slaughter Quaint limestone cottages bordering a stream with a water mill visitor attraction. 

Bourton-on-the-Water: Extremely popular tourist destination with river and model village.

Cotswold Farm Park: Rare breeds a speciality.

Winchcombe: An ancient village close to Sudeley Castle and a prehistoric burial site.

 

 

 

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