Once upon a time, kings roamed here. That’s because we’re standing in Old Headington. It’s an eastern suburb of Oxford with a history stretching back millennia.
Old Headington’s story began in the Stone Age. Evidence suggests continued occupation from as early as the 11th century BC. Pottery shards whisper tales of Iron Age settlements around the 7th century BC. Roman kilns from around 300 AD were also found here. One is on display at the Museum of Oxford. Even Anglo-Saxon burial remains have been unearthed.
The very name Headington echoes through time. It comes from the Old English “Hedena’s dun” meaning “Hedena’s hill”. This was likely the site of a Mercian king’s palace or hunting lodge. In 1004, King Æthelred the Unready documented land in Headington. It was granted to St Frideswide’s Priory.
Around 1122, Henry I gave a chapel in Headington to the Augustinian canons regular of St Frideswide’s Priory. The parish church of Saint Andrew was built in the mid-12th century. It expanded during the 13th century. The bell tower construction spanned from the 13th or 14th century to around 1500. The church saw repairs in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the years 1862–64, J.C. Buckler, a Gothic Revival architect, restored the building and lengthened the nave.
Old Headington grew significantly in the early 20th century. Housing developed around the medieval village near St Andrew’s Church. The City of Oxford Silver Band started as the Headington Brass Band. That was in the 19th century.
Old Headington was once part of an ancient parish. In 1868, Headington Hill became part of the Oxford constituency. By 1889, it was added to the city of Oxford. The civil parish of Headington was reduced in 1894. It only covered the area outside Oxford. In 1927, the parish became an urban district. But in 1929, Headington was abolished. Most of it was absorbed into Oxford.
Today, Old Headington retains its historic charm. You can still see older buildings like St. Andrew’s Church. The Oxford Preservation Trust owns green spaces here. They include Barton Triangle and Larkins Lane Field. Barton Triangle helps maintain the rural character of Old Headington. Larkins Lane Field features grassland, woodland, and a spring-fed stream.
Headington stone was used in many of Oxford’s famous buildings. These buildings include the University’s colleges and churches.
The Headington Shark is a quirky sculpture. It shows a shark crashing through a house roof. It’s a modern landmark not far from here.
Many famous people have called Headington home. Authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien lived here. Actress Emma Watson also resided in Headington and attended Headington School.
So, as you wander through Old Headington, remember its long and rich history. Imagine kings, stone quarries, and a village evolving into a modern suburb.