Hoar Stone

Heritage Site in Oxfordshire West Oxfordshire

England

Hoar Stone

Road from Lower Heyford reaches the main road
Road from Lower Heyford reaches the main road Credit: Sarah Charlesworth

Hoar Stone is a historical and cultural landmark located in Oxfordshire, England. Situated near the village of Enstone, this heritage site holds significant historical and archaeological importance. The Hoar Stone is a large, coarse sandstone boulder measuring approximately 1.8 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width, weighing around 25 tons.

Believed to date back to the prehistoric era, the Hoar Stone has been a center of curiosity and speculation for centuries. Its origin and purpose remain somewhat enigmatic, with various theories proposed by historians and archaeologists. Some suggest it may have served as a boundary marker, while others speculate it could have had a religious or ceremonial significance.

The stone's name, "Hoar," is derived from the Old English word for "boundary," further supporting the theory of its use as a marker. It is also worth noting that the stone is located at the intersection of several ancient trackways, adding to its historical significance.

Visitors to the Hoar Stone can experience a sense of mystery and awe as they stand before this ancient monolith. The stone is easily accessible, nestled in a picturesque rural landscape, and surrounded by fields and woodlands.

Over the years, the Hoar Stone has become a popular destination for tourists, history enthusiasts, and those interested in the ancient past of Oxfordshire. Its enduring presence and ambiguous origins contribute to its allure, making it a site of great historical and cultural value for the region.

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Hoar Stone Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.917/-1.338 or Grid Reference SP4524. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road from Lower Heyford reaches the main road
Road from Lower Heyford reaches the main road
Arable field by the A4260
Arable field by the A4260
A4260 crossroads at Hopcroft's Holt
A4260 crossroads at Hopcroft's Holt
Former Telephone Exchange, Steeple Aston Situated in South Side, this former TE from the GPO era was replaced by an adjacent larger building in the mid-1970s, <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3471092" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3471092">Link</a> refers. It was originally a unit automatic exchange type U13 using the Strowger electro-mechanical switching system. Some forty years later, it is good to see it still there , although it is probably not used now.
Former Telephone Exchange, Steeple Aston
Situated in South Side, this former TE from the GPO era was replaced by an adjacent larger building in the mid-1970s, Link refers. It was originally a unit automatic exchange type U13 using the Strowger electro-mechanical switching system. Some forty years later, it is good to see it still there , although it is probably not used now.
Steeple Aston Telephone Exchange, Oxon Situated in South Side, this TE replaced during the mid-1970s the adjacent former TE dating from the GPO era, <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3470811" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3470811">Link</a>. Besides Steeple Aston, this TE also serves Duns Tew, Lower Heyford, Middle Aston, Middle Barton, North Aston, Rousham, Steeple Barton and Westcott Barton nearby. The reflection of the trees can be seen in the windows of this TE. To the right of the photo is the entrance to the TE and a yellow grit salt bin beside it. This TE has (01869) 340xxx, 347xxx numbers, the (01869) referring to the Bicester group of TEs, and its postcode is OX25 4RX.
Steeple Aston Telephone Exchange, Oxon
Situated in South Side, this TE replaced during the mid-1970s the adjacent former TE dating from the GPO era, Link. Besides Steeple Aston, this TE also serves Duns Tew, Lower Heyford, Middle Aston, Middle Barton, North Aston, Rousham, Steeple Barton and Westcott Barton nearby. The reflection of the trees can be seen in the windows of this TE. To the right of the photo is the entrance to the TE and a yellow grit salt bin beside it. This TE has (01869) 340xxx, 347xxx numbers, the (01869) referring to the Bicester group of TEs, and its postcode is OX25 4RX.
Signpost on a T junction The post is on the road from Wootton to Rousham.
Signpost on a T junction
The post is on the road from Wootton to Rousham.
Minor road to Rousham
Minor road to Rousham
The entrance to Rousham House A lovely Jacobean house with Georgian remodelling. The house is set in superb landscape gardens, which have remained unaltered since they were designed in the early 18th century. The gardens, designed by William Kent, were one of the first and most influential of the style which became known as English landscape gardening. The house has been owned by Dormer family since it was built.
The entrance to Rousham House
A lovely Jacobean house with Georgian remodelling. The house is set in superb landscape gardens, which have remained unaltered since they were designed in the early 18th century. The gardens, designed by William Kent, were one of the first and most influential of the style which became known as English landscape gardening. The house has been owned by Dormer family since it was built.
Stone barn at Park Farm
Stone barn at Park Farm
Cattle looking out of Rousham Park
Cattle looking out of Rousham Park
The Holt Hotel Formerly the Hopcroft's Holt Hotel.
The Holt Hotel
Formerly the Hopcroft's Holt Hotel.
The Holt Hotel Formerly the Hopcroft's Holt Hotel.
The Holt Hotel
Formerly the Hopcroft's Holt Hotel.
Hopcroft's Holt Service Centre
Hopcroft's Holt Service Centre
Banbury Road to Deddington
Banbury Road to Deddington
Banbury Road by Maiden Bower
Banbury Road by Maiden Bower
Banbury Road to Deddington
Banbury Road to Deddington
Banbury Road approaching Hopcroft's Holt
Banbury Road approaching Hopcroft's Holt
Oxford Road to Deddington
Oxford Road to Deddington
Show me another place!

Hoar Stone is located at Grid Ref: SP4524 (Lat: 51.917, Lng: -1.338)

Administrative County: Oxfordshire

District: West Oxfordshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///instructs.caked.mime. Near Somerton, Oxfordshire

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