“A seemingly cosy picture postcard image of rural England.” Does that ring true for Beckley and Stowood?
Beckley and Stowood is a civil parish in South Oxfordshire. It is northeast of Oxford. The parish consists of Beckley and Stowood.
But don’t let the pretty cottages fool you. The story of Beckley and Stowood is not a sleepy rural idyll. It is a story of purpose persistence and power. This includes death theft arson and more happily cricket matches.
Let’s step back. The manor of Beckley belonged to Saxon Wigod. After the Norman conquest Robert D’Oyly acquired Wigod’s estates. D’Oyly gave Beckley to Roger d’Ivry. Beckley became the caput of his estates.
In the 13th century Thomas de St Valery changed sides between England and France. As a result he forfeited and regained his English estates a number of times. Henry III granted the St Valery estates to his brother Richard. Beckley was the caput of the Honour of St Valery. Edward II granted Beckley to Hugh le Despenser.
Richard II gave Beckley to Anne of Bohemia. Later Richard gave Beckley to Sir John Golafre. Henry V gave Beckley to Catherine de Valois. For the remainder of the 15th century the freehold of Beckley remained with the Crown. Noblemen were appointed keepers to manage Beckley Park.
Under Henry VIII’s will Beckley manor passed to Princess Elizabeth. Sir Walter Mildmay conveyed it to Sir John Williams. The manors remained in their family until 1645. In 1919 Viscount Bertie broke up the estate and sold it in small lots.
Bernard of St Valery had a deer park at Beckley. Thomas enclosed it with a stone wall. In 1229 the Earl of Cornwall stocked the park with deer. Poachers raided the park on a number of occasions. Oxford University students were constant poachers. The Crown threatened to deprive the University of its royal privileges.
The Earl of Cornwall had a hunting lodge built near the centre of the park. After Sir John Williams bought the manor of Beckley he had the Tudor house built. By 1628 the deer park had been broken up and enclosed as farmland.
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries. The interior has wall paintings. By 1552 the tower had four large bells.
In the early Middle Ages Beckley was reputedly the home of Saint Domnanuerdh.
In 1891 Beckley consisted of 3620 acres. The overall population was 345. The population density was less than 1 person per acre. The enumerator for Beckley was Alfred Gunston. The census shows that the majority of the population had been born in Beckley.
Consider this: Beckley Church of England Primary School is a Church of England primary school. There is a community-owned pub called The Abingdon Arms.
The story of Beckley and Stowood is one of change adaptation and finding ways. It’s a story of human experience and achievement. It’s a story that continues to unfold.