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Blewbury
is on the A417 about half way between Streatley and Harwell
at the foot of the Berkshire Downs. Driving through Blewbury you see
a pleasant village with several fine old houses, some timber framed
and others of various ages. The former turnpike road through the village
is rather narrow in places. But the real charm of the village can only
be discovered by turning off the main road, and is best discovered on
foot. There is a network of footpaths centred on the church which take
you past a lake, across hidden grassed areas, through the ancient churchyard.
One path passes between ancient thatched cob walls which used to be
common in many of the villages in this area.
The settlement was probably established here because a number of springs
arise at the foot of the downs. Some springs feed a small lake where
watercress used to be cultivated. Tributaries feed the Mill Brook which
leads to the Thames at Wallingford. Blewbury Mill is said to be where
blotting paper was discovered.
St. Michael's Church was rebuilt towards the end of the C11. Over time,
a chancel, central tower, transepts, aisles, a Lady Chapel, and a tower
were added. Many interesting remnants of earlier orderings can be found
throughout the church, such as the stairs and piscina belonging to the
altar that once stood on the rood loft. The churchyard is kept as a
"Living Churchyard" and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including
some beautiful fritillaries.
The village's facilities include a village hall, a village shop and
post office (run by volunteers), an antique shop, a garden machinery
shop, a car repair garage, a riding centre, a wine warehouse, a Church
of England primary school and a Methodist chapel. At one time strings
of race horses were a common sight in the village but they have moved
nearer the gallops on the downs.
The village has three pubs: the Red Lion, the Barley Mow, and the Load
of Mischief.
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Images
of Blewbury
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(Click
to view)
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