Faringdon - an ancient market town in Oxfordshire

Going back in history, Faringdon was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Wessex. It's name means 'fern covered hill'.  History tells us that Alfred the Great built his castle here.

The Domesday Book records a manor with mill, fishing and land for 15 ploughs. The great tithe barn at nearby Great Coxwell by the Abbey of Beaulieu bears evidence to the fertility of the Vale of the White Horse.

King John gave the town a royal charter in 1216 for a weekly market which continues to this day in the Market place.

Later during the Civil War, Roundhead Sir Robert Pye found himself a prisoner in his own home, Faringdon House, which dates back to 1730. A poorly aimed cannon ball demolished the spire off All Saints church !

The 17th century Town Hall remains the focal point of the town, surrounded by Georgian-fronted inns and shops of the market-place.

Places to visit in and around Faringdon include:

• All Saints Church
• Ashdown House
• Badbury Clump
• Buscot Park
• Corn Exchange
• Coxwell Pit SSSI
• Folly Park
• Dragon Hill, The Manger, Uffington Castle
• Faringdon House
• Folly Tower
• Old Town Hall, Faringdon
• The Thames, Radcot
• White Horse Hill
• Waylands Smithy
• Great Barn, Gt Coxwell

Come and enjoy a visit to Faringdon in Oxfordshire for history, a taste of England and an enjoyable day out.