Chipping Norton
The Town
Property buyers will find that “Chippy”, as the locals sometimes call Chipping Norton, is a vibrant, lively town, still grounded in reality. There are excellent antique shops and a wide range of inns, pubs, and restaurants. The population is around 6,500 and it is the highest town in The Cotswolds, at around 244m (800ft).
Chipping Norton still shows the evidence of the wool trade that made it so wealthy in the Middle Ages. Some of the medieval buildings are still standing in the heart of the town. Recoco property finders will be able to point out the 18th century Georgian fronts of many buildings in the market place. Take a short break from your property search to visit the church of St Mary, for instance, an especially fine Cotswold church.
And if you’d like to conduct your property search from a cosy base, then the Soho Farmhouse Members’ Club offers a warm welcome and excellent facilities.
Transport
The A44, B4450, and B4026 all lead into the town; the nearest motorways are the M40 and the M5. Although Chipping Norton no longer has its own railway station, property buyers might like to know that the nearest station is around 5 miles away at Kingham.
History
Chipping Norton was once the site of a Norman castle, and the word “chipping” comes from the Old English “ceapan”, meaning market. The town has had a market since the 13th century. Recoco buying agents will be able to confirm that the town built its wealth on wool and tweed, and the owner of Bliss Tweed Mill, just outside town, was instrumental in bringing the railway to town. The mill is now luxury apartments, which your Recoco buying agent will be happy to add to your itinerary.
The Town Hall is particularly attractive, and the independently run Museum opposite has many interesting local historical artefacts and displays dating back to Roman and prehistoric times.
Those who enjoy a little historical mystery with their property search might like to ask Recoco property finders for details of the Rollright Stones. This stone circle, which lies around 2.5 miles to the north of Chipping Norton, offers evidence of prehistoric habitation in the area.
Leisure and Events
The town has good retail and leisure facilities, including supermarkets, pubs, and hotels. Ask Recoco buying agents for details of the theatre, which offers a mix of drama, dance, comedy, music, and an annual pantomime, as well as screening modern and art house film productions.
Town events include annual festivals of art, literature, and music. A town market takes place every Wednesday, with the mop fair, formerly a hiring fair, taking place each September.
Chipping Norton Golf Club was started in 1890 on the common, and is the oldest golf club in Oxfordshire. The town has a Rugby Union Football Club and a Football League team. There is also a bowling club.
Property buyers who enjoy socialising and working to support good causes will be happy to hear that Chipping Norton has a Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Women’s Institute.
Education
There are three schools in Chipping Norton. Primary schools are Holy Trinity Roman Catholic School and St Mary’s Church of England School, with Chipping North School providing secondary education. Kingham Hill School is a nearby 11-18 independent, while prep school Windrush Valley takes pupils from 3-11.
Celebrity Connections
Chipping Norton lies in the parliamentary constituency of Witney where, from 2001 to 2016, David Cameron was MP. As well as the former Prime Minister, other famous names associated with Chipping Norton include Charlie and Rebekah Brooks, Jeremy Clarkson, and The Who drummer Keith Moon, who once owned the Crown and Cushion in High Street.
Foodies’ Corner
In need of some hearty fare to help fuel your property search? Head for one of the country pubs oozing rustic charm like the Blue Boar or the medieval Chequers. Or enjoy a little Chinese, Indian, Italian or Thai cuisine and classic English fare including fish and chips – all on offer in Chipping Norton. If afternoon tea or a light bite is more to your taste, there’s the Old Mill Coffee Shop or the Tea Set, as well as some high street chains.
Fun Fact
Edward Stone, a Chipping Norton vicar, is generally regarded as the man who provided the first scientific description of willow bark and its effects. Willow bark paved the way for the development of aspirin.