“Saved from demolition.” Those are the words etched in my memory regarding 8, 10 & 10 Turn Again Lane. These houses whisper tales of a community nearly lost to time.
We’re standing before 8, 10 & 10 Turn Again Lane. The plaque commemorates a victory for preservation. It marks the spot where three 17th-century houses were saved from demolition in 1971. The Oxford Preservation Trust stepped in to purchase these houses. Their intervention prevented the destruction of these historic homes.
The restored houses later received a Civic Trust European Architectural Heritage Year Award in 1975. This award recognized the quality of the restoration. It highlighted the importance of preserving Oxford’s architectural heritage.
Turn Again Lane itself has an interesting history. For many years it was known as Charles Street. In 1972, the old name was revived. The name “Turn Again Lane” evokes a sense of returning to the past. It reminds us of the area’s rich history.
The story of 8, 10 & 10 Turn Again Lane is linked to the wider area of St. Ebbe’s. St. Ebbe’s once resembled Jericho. It featured terraced houses and cottages in a network of streets. In the 1960s much of St. Ebbe’s was demolished. The community was relocated. The first Westgate shopping center was built.
Today the new Westgate shopping center dominates the area. It stands next to 1970s housing. But Turn Again Lane offers a glimpse into the past. The cottages at 8, 10 & 10 Turn Again Lane serve as a final link to the area’s history.
The Oxford Preservation Trust now has its offices at number 10. The Trust played a crucial role in saving these houses. The buildings feature early timber framing. Decorative plasterwork adorns the ceilings. A Georgian staircase adds to the charm. Wonky floors and quirky rooms remind us of the building’s past.
At the bottom of the garden, the wall follows the original line of the medieval town wall. It even contains some of the original stones. The garden was transformed into a green oasis in 1975. This was done by landscape designer Brenda Colvin. The garden won a bronze medal at Oxford in Bloom in 2004.
8, 10 & 10 Turn Again Lane represents more than just old buildings. It embodies the spirit of preservation. It reminds us of the importance of protecting our heritage. So, take a moment to appreciate these charming cottages. They stand as a testament to the power of community action and the value of preserving our past.