Deep within Oxfordshire, nestled between Oxford and Abingdon, lies the enigmatic Bagley Wood. Bagley Wood whispers tales of ancient history, stretching back to the time of King Eadred. In 955, his royal charter granted the wood to the Abbot of Abingdon Abbey. Imagine the wood then, a dense, primeval forest teeming with wildlife, a stark contrast to the managed woodland we see today.
Bagley Wood wasn’t always a place of tranquility. In the 13th century, it was a dangerous place known for assaults and even murders. One particularly dramatic incident saw the Prior of Abingdon Abbey kidnapped and threatened within the wood’s shadowy depths. He was forced to comply with the demands of his captors, highlighting the lawlessness of the times.
The wood’s ownership has a fascinating history. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Bagley Wood exchanged hands. In 1619, it was acquired by St John’s College, Oxford, for the substantial sum of £600. This ancient woodland remains under their stewardship to this day. St John’s College utilizes the 550 acres for various purposes. These include commercial timber production, teaching, and research. It also serves as a recreational area for members of the college. Villagers of nearby Kennington can even request permission from the college bursar to stroll amongst its trees.
Historically, access to Bagley Wood has been a point of contention. Local villagers claimed common rights, allowing them to gather underwood, furze, and fern for fuel. However, in the early 19th century, St John’s College began prosecuting them for trespass. Thomas Pratt, a wine and tobacco merchant, emerged as a leader for the villagers in 1835. He challenged the college’s restrictions. Tensions came to a head in 1838 when villagers, armed with tools, confronted college-hired workers attempting to remove cut underwood. Ultimately, the college secured an Act of Parliament in 1848 to enclose the wood.
Today, Bagley Wood remains a haven for wildlife. Muntjac deer, badgers, foxes, and a variety of birds, including goshawks and buzzards, call it home. Hundreds of nest boxes support the vibrant bird population. The wood is also part of a long-term study on great tits, mirroring similar research conducted in nearby Wytham Woods. Researchers regularly take blood samples and use cameras to observe the birds’ feeding habits, adding a scientific dimension to the wood’s natural history.
Tucked away within the wood is the Bagley Wood sawmill. This mill provides timber to both the public and trade. Its most sought-after product is cordwood for log-burning stoves, reflecting the modern demand for sustainable fuel sources. The mill also supplies oak and various softwoods. A fire tragically destroyed the old sawmill in 2004, but a new structure rose from the ashes in 2006, continuing the wood’s long-standing tradition of providing resources. Today, as you stand at the edge of Bagley Wood, consider the centuries of history held within its leafy embrace.