Faringdon

Settlement in Berkshire Vale of White Horse

England

Faringdon

Faringdon is a historic market town located in the county of Berkshire, England. Situated on the edge of the scenic Vale of White Horse, Faringdon is approximately 18 miles southwest of the city of Oxford. The town is known for its picturesque setting and rich history, dating back to at least the 8th century.

The focal point of Faringdon is the charming Market Place, where a vibrant market has been held since the 13th century. Surrounding the square are a variety of independent shops, traditional pubs, and eateries, offering visitors a taste of local cuisine and a chance to explore unique retail offerings.

Faringdon is also renowned for its architectural heritage, with notable landmarks including the Faringdon Folly, a 100-foot tower built in the 18th century, and the Faringdon House, an elegant country mansion dating back to the 17th century. These historical sites attract tourists and history enthusiasts from around the country.

The town boasts a strong sense of community, with various local events and festivals held throughout the year, including the annual Faringdon Folly Fest and the Faringdon Arts Festival. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding, with several nature reserves nearby.

Faringdon is well-connected to nearby towns and cities, with good transport links including regular bus services and easy access to major road networks. The town provides a tranquil and picturesque setting, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

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Faringdon Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.654161/-1.580042 or Grid Reference SU2995. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Portwell Bench on an Autumn Afternoon

Faringdon makes the most of its limited public spaces in the town centre. The cafe tables by the Portwell Bench are a very pleasant place to sit out under the trees. The bench itself, with its diver sculpture, commemorate an event involving local aristocrat Lord Berners, the artist Salvador Dali, and a diving suit. The full story is with Vieve Forward's picture SU2895 : Portwell bench, Faringdon The inscription is a remark by Lord Berners "Mistrust a man who never has an occasional flash of silliness" More about the diver on Link

Des Blenkinsopp

Sitting in the Sun, Faringdon

Like so many places, Faringdon town centre is plagued by through traffic, but even so, the pleasant old buildings and good use of the limited space available make it an agreeable place to sit out on a sunny afternoon.

Des Blenkinsopp

The Bell Hotel

Public House in Faringdon.

Wayland Smith

Faringdon Hill

View from Faringdon Hill in the rain.

Wayland Smith

A417 towards Faringdon

Quiet just now, but this is quite a busy country A road between Lechlade and Faringdon.

Des Blenkinsopp

Faringdon : The Folly

Grade II listed folly built in 1935 to a design by architect Lord Gerald Wellesley for Lord Berners of Faringdon House - Link

Jim Osley

Faringdon : town house, London Street

Grade II listed - Link

Jim Osley

Faringdon : London Street

Jim Osley

Faringdon : Church of St Lawrence

Grade I listed - Link

Jim Osley

Faringdon : former vicarage

Grade II listed old vicarage - Link

Jim Osley

Faringdon : former market hall

Grade II* listed - Link

. The building has performed a variety of functions during its history - for example, market hall, town hall, magistrates' court, fire engine house, library and war memorial - Link

Jim Osley

Roundabout on the A420, Faringdon

David Howard

Faringdon Telephone Exchange (1)

Located at 26 Marlborough Street SN7 7JP, this TE dates from 1970 and has the code SSFGN. It provides telephone and broadband services to approximately 3,245 residential and 209 non-residential premises in Faringdon, Great Coxwell, Little Coxwell, Littleworth and the surrounding area. A yellow grit salt bin and two dark green BT cabinets can be seen in front of this TE.

David Hillas

Faringdon Telephone Exchange (2)

Taken from Pulling Close, this photo shows the back and side of this TE with white BT warning notices on the corner. The numbering range of this TE is (01367) 24xxxx, the (01367) referring to the Faringdon group of eight TEs. These are pictured at Link

. A BT vehicle can be seen parked by the TE to the left of the photo.

David Hillas