Hangings Grove

Wood, Forest in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Hangings Grove

Direction Sign â Signpost on Hardwick Road, Whitchurch-on-Thames Located on the southwest side of the junction of Hardwick Road, Sheepwash Lane and a bridleway to Mapledurham, in Whitchurch-on-Thames parish. 3 arms and pawn finial. See also <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2182449" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2182449">Link</a>.

Milestone Society National ID: OX_SU6577 — Direction Sign â Signpost on Hardwick Road, Whitchurch-on-Thames Credit: John V Nicholls

Hangings Grove is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Oxfordshire, England. Situated near the village of Standlake, this enchanting forest covers an area of approximately 100 acres. It is renowned for its ancient trees, diverse wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.

The woodland is primarily composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and ash, creating a dense canopy that provides shade during the summer months. The forest floor is adorned with a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, such as bluebells and primroses, adding to the area's natural beauty.

Hangings Grove has a rich history dating back centuries. The name "Hangings" is derived from the practice of hanging criminals on trees within the forest during medieval times. Although these occurrences are long gone, the name serves as a reminder of the area's past.

The woodland is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various bird species, such as woodpeckers and owls, as well as small mammals like squirrels and hedgehogs. Nature enthusiasts can also spot a variety of insects, butterflies, and other invertebrates that thrive in this natural habitat.

For visitors, Hangings Grove offers several walking trails that wind through the forest, allowing them to explore its serenity at their own pace. The tranquility and beauty of this woodland make it an ideal location for picnics, photography, or simply immersing oneself in nature.

Overall, Hangings Grove in Oxfordshire is a captivating woodland that combines history, natural beauty, and a peaceful atmosphere, providing a delightful experience for all who visit.

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Hangings Grove Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.498889/-1.0655241 or Grid Reference SU6478. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Direction Sign â Signpost on Hardwick Road, Whitchurch-on-Thames

Located on the southwest side of the junction of Hardwick Road, Sheepwash Lane and a bridleway to Mapledurham, in Whitchurch-on-Thames parish. 3 arms and pawn finial. See also Link. Milestone Society National ID: OX_SU6577

John V Nicholls

River Thames, Pangbourne

A number of vessels are moored here on the Pangbourne bank of the river just upstream from Whitchurch Bridge.

Stephen McKay

Whitchurch Bridge - toll booth

The first bridge spanning the River Thames connecting Whitchurch to Pangbourne was built in 1792; at the same time the toll house (seen here in the background) was constructed at the northern end of the bridge. The original timber bridge was replaced with another wooden bridge of a different design in 1853. That in turn was replaced with an iron bridge in 1902 which was strengthened in the 1920s. A fourth bridge was built in 2014 with a similar visual appearance to the 1902 bridge but better able to cope with modern traffic conditions. The bridge remains privately owned, changing hands for the first time in 2019 when it was sold to the General Estates Company Ltd; nevertheless it carries a classified road, the B471. The toll booth dates from 1992 and the current charge for cars is 60p.

Stephen McKay

The Greyhound, Whitchurch-on-Thames

One of two pubs in the village, the Greyhound was first recorded as a public house in 1831 and was converted by Blatch's Brewery of Theale, Berkshire from cottage properties; further major alterations were made in 1879. It is believed that the building may have been occupied at one time by a ferryman, although this would presumably have been before 1792 when the bridge was opened. Blatch's pub estate of 22 houses was absorbed by Ind Coope in 1965 and since 2021 the Greyhound has been part of Oak Taverns Group.

Stephen McKay

Eastfield House, Pangbourne

Surrounded by Heras fencing and boarded up, Eastfield House operated as a care home until its closure in 2016. As is usually the case with derelict properties like this, there is a long history of planning wrangles that are still not resolved. The owner is Majesticare and the house was registered to provide accommodation for 27 residents; the company first applied to demolish the building in 2014 but this was rejected. Despite obtaining permission (on appeal) in 2016 to build an extension that would increase the provision to 45 bedrooms, Majesticare then announced that the building was unsuitable for continued use as a care home for several reasons amongst which was the impossibility of providing en-suite facilities for all of the bedrooms. Their new proposal was for a completely new building in a similar red brick style that would have a larger basement to accommodate a kitchen and laundry. This was again refused by South Oxfordshire District Council on the grounds that it could adversely affect the conservation area and could harm two protected trees on the site. That decision was reported early in 2019 and three years later nothing appears to have happened except that, no doubt, the building is gradually deteriorating. This must surely be an unsatisfactory state of affairs for all concerned.

Stephen McKay

Muddy Lane, Whitchurch-on-Thames

No doubt a local name that has been officially adopted, Muddy Lane seems appropriate following a period of heavy rainfall.

Stephen McKay

Coombeside Cottage, Whitchurch-on-Thames

Somehow reminiscent of a doll's house, this building, originally two cottages now one, is dated by Historic England as 'probably late 18th century' although other sources suggest 1820. The gothic-style windows are a distinctive feature although the one above the doors has been painted on the wall. At one time one of the cottages served as the village post office. It is grade II listed.

Stephen McKay

Whitchurch Bridge under reconstruction in 2014

Whitchurch Bridge across the Thames under reconstruction in 2014. The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic but pedestrians could use the temporary bridge to the left.

Chris Wood