"A tough but full-blooded area”: The parish of St Thomas the Martyr, West Oxford - talk on 26 January

“A tough but full-blooded area”: The parish of St Thomas the Martyr, West Oxford – is the next Oxfordshire FHS talk, on 26 January at Exeter Hall, Kidlington.

The speaker, Liz Woolley, says:
The parish of St Thomas the Martyr, Oxford, is one of the most ancient and historic areas of the city. St Thomas’ was one of Oxford’s earliest suburbs, first inhabited in Saxon times. In the twelfth century, it stood on the direct route between the castle at the westgate of the city, and the great Augustinian Abbey of Oseney. In later centuries, St Thomas’ was home to Oxford’s brewing industry, toits boating and barge communities, and to those who built the railways. It had a reputation as one of the most lively – some might say disreputable – parishes of the city. In the twentieth century, St Thomas’ was cleared, together with neighbouring St Ebbe’s, and its close-knit community dispersed. However, this often overlooked area is now set to become the centrepiece of Oxford’s new West End Development.

This talk is an opportunity to learn more about this fascinating parish, about the people who made it so rich both culturally and socially, and about the historic buildings which still survive there.

Liz has spoken to us before, and her talked are always well received!

The talk is at Exeter Hall, Oxford Road, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1AB. Doors open at 7:15pm for coffee, the bookstall and genealogy and computer help. The talk will be at 8pm. More information at www.ofhs.uk

Non-members are welcome as well as members – we’ll be pleased to see you!