Ever heard of a village that refuses to be a town? That is Kidlington. It is one of England’s largest villages. Its story is more fascinating than you might expect.
Kidlington sits four and a half miles north of Oxford City. It lies between the River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal. This village has a long history. It goes back before Roman times.
Let’s step back to 1086. The Domesday Survey recorded Kidlington as “Chedelintone.” Even then, the mill was valued at 30 shillings. Land was measured in furlongs.
The name Kidlington comes from Old English. It means the settlement of Cydel’s sons. So, “Kidlington” means the place where the “Kidlings” lived.
Now look toward St. Mary the Virgin. The parish church dates from 1220. It boasts fine medieval glass and ancient woodwork. Locals call its slender spire “Our Lady’s Needle.” The church tower has eight bells. An older church stood here in 1074.
Behind the church lies an area of interest. It was once surrounded by a three-sided moat. Remains of a causeway have been found here. These remains hint at a fortified site or a manor house. Pottery and roofing tiles have been found. Could this be the original site of the village?
Over time Kidlington grew. By 1901, the population was 1,300. Today, Kidlington and Gosford have about 15,000 residents. Until the 20th century, Kidlington was a rural community. In 1928, land was sold for housing. After 1945, many estates were built. Cottages gave way to shops and offices.
Kidlington has resisted becoming a town. In 1987, residents voted against town status. They wanted to keep their village identity.
Today, Kidlington has a modern shopping center. It has a library and a community center. A market is held on Fridays and Saturdays. You will find pubs, cafes and restaurants. Free parking is available.
Did you know that Chinese tourists once flocked to Kidlington? In 2016, coachloads of tourists arrived. They took photos of gardens and parked cars. The reason? They were seeking the “true sense” of Britain. Some tour operators drop tourists in Kidlington. It is too far to walk to Blenheim Palace.
Kidlington has a rich musical history too. The Kidlington Concert Brass has existed since 1892. The Kidlington Amateur Operatic Society was founded in 1977.
Many sports are popular here. Kidlington Football Club was founded in 1909. Gosford All Blacks is a local rugby team.
Kidlington continues to evolve. It embraces progress. It cherishes its past. It remains a vibrant village. It has a strong community spirit. Kidlington is a unique place. Its residents are proud to call it home.