Ghosts of Widford Traditional Geocache
Professor Xavier: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it. Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it will NOT be unarchived.
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Ed
Professor Xavier - Volunteer UK Reviewer
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One of Oxfords deserted villages
The deserted village of Widford, near Swinbrook in west Oxfordshire, which was originally part of Gloucestershire until the county boundaries were changed in 1844. The name Widford comes from the old English 'withig ford' meaning 'the ford by the willows'. It was formerly part of Wychwood Forest, which was cleared there in about 1862.
The parish, once united with nearby Swinbrook, belonged to St Oswald's Priory, Gloucester, from 1086 until the Dissolution. It was sold to the Harman family, and later to Sir Edmund Fettiplace in 1680. Little remains of the original village, except St Oswald's church and a few buildings. In the 14th century, the community consisted of 13 houses close to the church, a mill, manor house and farm buildings. Now standing alone in a hilly field near the River Windrush, St Oswald's church, which dates from the early 12th-century, is a sad and lonely sight.
It was built over the remains of a Roman villa and still retains some Roman paving in the chancel. On the walls there some interesting 14th century murals, while the high-backed pews date from the 18th century. The little church is so delightful that it has been used as a film set, most recently for the marriage of Lorna Doone in the TV series.
It is thought that the Black Death was the most likely culprit in the demise of Widford. The community never recovered, leaving the tiny church and a few grassy hummocks as the only historical evidence of its existence.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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