Old Marston

Journey with me to Old Marston, a village steeped in history, nestled just a short distance from Oxford’s bustling center. Old Marston, a name derived from “Marsh-town,” reflects its low-lying landscape near the River Cherwell, prone to flooding in times past. Today, the A40 ring road borders Old Marston, a stark contrast to the tranquil Cherwell flowing along its western edge. Old Marston’s story intertwines with the tumultuous English Civil War. In 1646, while Royalist forces were besieged in Oxford, the Parliamentarians, led by Sir Thomas Fairfax, established their quarters in Old Marston. They utilized St. Nicholas’s Church tower as a strategic lookout post to monitor the Royalist artillery positions in the present-day University Parks. Old Marston also played host to a pivotal moment in history. Oliver Cromwell visited Fairfax at a house now known as Cromwell House. Furthermore, the Treaty for the Surrender of Oxford, a document that marked a turning point in the war, was signed in Old Marston in 1646. The heart of Old Marston, St. Nicholas’s Church, stands as a testament to the passage of time. Established initially as a chapel and mentioned in a charter of 1122, the church was granted to the Augustinians canons of St Frideswide’s Priory. Its architecture reveals layers of history, with the original 12th-century structure complemented by significant 15th-century additions. Today, Old Marston retains a distinct identity despite being incorporated into Oxford’s city limits in 1991. This unique blend of historical significance and modern integration makes Old Marston a captivating destination. Old Marston’s rich tapestry of history, from its role in the Civil War to its charming church, invites exploration and discovery.