Did you know that Eastwyke Farmhouse in Oxford has witnessed centuries of history? Right before your eyes stands this remarkable Grade II listed building. It wasn’t always a farmhouse. In medieval times Eastwyke Manor owned substantial land. Abingdon Abbey owned it. Then in 1528 University College acquired half its land. The name ‘Wyke’ is Old English for a farm or trading place. Eastwyke’s location was strategic. It had good grazing land near the Thames and a main route into Oxford. You can still see ridge and furrow evidence of ancient farming techniques in grassy areas near the river.
During the English Civil War Oxford was a Royalist stronghold. A 1644 map shows an outpost at Eastwyke Farm with star-shaped defenses. A battle occurred there on May 27 1645 between Parliamentary and Royalist forces. Parliamentary forces bombarded Mr Oliver Smyth’s house which was Eastwyke Farm. The Royalist garrison defended it. They suffered casualties.
Later Isaac Alden a butcher leased Eastwyke Farm in 1790. He founded Alden’s butchers still thriving in Oxford. His descendants became printers and engineers. The Aldens raised and slaughtered animals at the farm. They sold meat at their Covered Market shops. By the late 19th century it was one of England’s biggest butchering businesses. Leonard Alden Isaac’s great-grandson was even Mayor of Oxford. He tragically died in a road accident.
The Aldens continued at Eastwyke Farm into the 1970s. They even ran a frozen food supermarket there. In 1986 they moved back to the Covered Market. University College took back Eastwyke Farm. The farmhouse fell into disrepair. Then from 1999 to 2010 Four Pillars renovated it. They built the Oxford Spires Hotel nearby. Workers unearthed surprising finds during renovations 31 bicycles two red telephone boxes and a Triumph Spitfire. An old swimming pool full of newts was also rediscovered. The orchard has since been restored. Today Eastwyke Farmhouse is part of a hotel offering unique accommodations. Isn’t its history incredible?