Located in the Cherwell district of northern Oxfordshire is the market town of Banbury. Founded early in the 11th century, the city of Banbury is located at the junction of two ancient roads: Salt Way and Banbury Lane. It has many different areas for visitors to enjoy.
One of the more popular places that people check out is the Banbury Cross. There was one point and time when Banbury was home to many different crosses. The High Cross, White Cross, and Bread Cross could be found in the center of the town. These were located there until the Puritans destroyed them in July of 1600. Over 250 years later the current cross, Banbury Cross, was erected in the center of town. This was erected in honor of Queen Victoria's eldest daughter to Prince Frederick. It is a spire monument in gothic form. It rises over fifty-two feet high with a cross at the very top of the spire.
A popular stop is the Banbury Museum. This museum displays the history of the Banbury area. There are Civil War exhibits and World War II exhibits. There are also Victorian toys, cannon from the now destroyed Banbury Castle, and costumes that span from the baldrics to corsets. You can also check out the Oxford Canal which will pass beneath your feet as well viewing the boats being repaired in the boat yard. Admission is free for visitors of this building of history.
There is another museum for visitors to enjoy. The Bloxham Village Museum brings visitors the history of the small community. You can see depictions of lives of regular men and women all the way up to the political lives. It even depicts the political changes of the region.
Nature lovers will enjoy the Brook Cottage Garden Located on a four-acre hillside that was founded in 1964. The garden surrounds a seventeenth century stone house. It has a variety of plants and shrubs. Visitors can enjoy biscuits, coffee and tea during the week and on bank holidays visitors can get a cream tea instead. Visitors can also purchase some of the unusual plants that you can see in the garden.
Another popular stop is the Hook Norton Pottery Shop. Here visitors can find a number of pots, jugs, candlesticks, and jars. They also have a large number of hotel ware ranges. Hook Norton Pottery also has cabins for visitor on holiday to rent all of which have access to the indoor swimming pool which is open all year round.
One of the best preserved barns in the Oxfordshire is the Swalcliffe Barn. Visitors can view this 15th century barn that was built as part of the Rectorial manor. Visitors can view the beams and half cruck roof as well as many other architectural sites. It is a truly unique site.
Sulgave Manor is a popular visitor spot for visitors, especially those interested in a tangible link between the United States and England. This 16th century building has been fully restored. Built by an ancestor George Washington the manor is now viewable by visitors. There is even a wing with a large display for of collection of George Washington memorabilia.
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