Balscote

Settlement in Oxfordshire Cherwell

England

Balscote

George and Dragon, Shutford yes, there is pub, it&#039;s not all church - Hook Norton beers — George and Dragon, Shutford Credit: al partington

Balscote is a small village located in Oxfordshire, England. Situated approximately 15 miles north of Oxford, it falls within the Cherwell district. As of the 2011 census, the village had a population of around 600 residents.

The village is characterized by its picturesque rural setting, surrounded by rolling hills and open countryside. Balscote is primarily an agricultural community, with farming being a key economic activity in the area. The landscape is dotted with farms and fields, contributing to the village's tranquil and idyllic atmosphere.

Despite its small size, Balscote boasts a rich history. The village is believed to have existed since at least the 11th century, as evidenced by the presence of a Norman church, St. Mary's, which dates back to the 12th century. The church is a prominent feature in the village and serves as a reminder of Balscote's long-standing heritage.

In terms of amenities, Balscote offers a limited range of services. There is a village hall that serves as a community hub, hosting various events and activities throughout the year. However, residents often rely on nearby towns for additional amenities, such as shops, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Balscote's proximity to larger towns, such as Banbury and Oxford, allows residents to access a wider range of services and employment opportunities. The village also benefits from good transportation links, with regular bus services connecting it to nearby towns and villages.

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Balscote Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.071834/-1.431563 or Grid Reference SP3941. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

George and Dragon, Shutford

yes, there is pub, it's not all church - Hook Norton beers

al partington

Butchers Arms, Balscote

Hook Norton brewery gem of a pub

al partington

Driveway to Stonepit Cottage

The driveway to the cottage from Epwell Road. The grass has just been cut and the birds seem to be massing on the power lines ready to dive on any disturbed insects.

David Stowell

Stonepit Cottage sign

A place to visit for those tying the knot!

David Stowell

The New Inn, Wroxton Heath

Built from local Ironstone and shown on the OS Map beside the Stratford Road.

David Stowell

Heath Farm

The sign just inside the ornate gateway proclaims this to be "Jenny's Sanctuary. An educational centre for the Development and Promotion of Spiritual Gifts". Link

David Stowell

View towards Shenington

Looking across the north of the square from the bridleway near Alkerton towards Shenington, visible on top of the hill in the distance.

David Stowell

Wroxton Mill

David Stowell

Stratford Road bridge and Balscote ironstone quarry

The bridge parapet in the foreground is that of a bridge under the Stratford Road built in 1954 to allow the Oxfordshire Ironstone Quarries to extract the ironstone from the land visible beyond. This was the Balscote Quarry which was worked between 1956 and the closure of the entire quarry system in 1967. The bridge provided a link for removal of ironstone via the quarry railway network back to SP4042 : Oxfordshire Ironstone Quarries Headquarters site at Wroxton for processing.

David Stowell

Balscote Methodist Church

This small local ironstone building is shown on the OS map by the road in the north of the village. The black sign by the doorway proudly proclaims it to be Balscote Methodist Church.

David Stowell

Course of Ironstone quarry railway

The course of the railway from SP4042 : Oxfordshire Ironstone Quarries Headquarters site, seen looking west from Dyke Lane bridge shows up as lighter line across the field of wheat. This whole area as far as the trees was quarried for ironstone between 1941 and 1949 and as a result the level of the land has been reduced by 15-20 metres, as can be seen in this picture of SP3943 : Dyke Lane Bridge. After the ironstone was exhausted the land was returned to farming and the railway was extended towards Alkerton to tap fresh reserves. Compare this view with picture 11 on Link

David Stowell

Alkerton Barn

David Stowell

Bridleway to Shenington

This well used bridleway drops steeply down from the lane near Alkerton before meeting other paths in the bottom of the valley and becoming Mill Lane to Shenington.

David Stowell

Golf course at Wroxton Mill

This course is not shown on the OS Map and is discreetly hidden away in the little valley above Wroxton Mill.

David Stowell

Balscote

A marker stone commemorating the millennium situated on a green in the SE corner of the village.

David Stowell

Site of Langley Ironstone Quarry

The whole of the area in this picture as far as the woods and the far lines of trees was quarried for ironstone between 1926 and 1943. The ironstone was not far below the surface and as it was removed the land was returned to cultivation - but 15-20 metres below its previous level. This view is from the bridge constructed under the Stratford Road in 1954 to allow access to open up the Balscott Quarry area. The shallow depression across the fields leading away from the photographer marks the course of the railway from the newer quarry area back to the SP4042 : Oxfordshire Ironstone Quarries Headquarters site which is just visible to the right of the woodland in the centre of the picture.

David Stowell

Dyke Lane Bridge

Looking across the farmland that was reinstated at about 15-20 metres below its previous level after the quarrying of ironstone in the 1940s. As a result Dyke Lane now appears to be on an embankment. The bridge was built to provide a rail connection to the SP4042 : Oxfordshire Ironstone Quarries Headquarters site at Wroxton and the line was subsequently extended towards Alkerton. The SP3943 : Course of Ironstone quarry railway can still be seen from the bridge.

David Stowell