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Swalcliffe, Banbury
 he impressive nature of Swalcliffe Barn owes much to New College Oxford and William of Wykham. When William founded New College in 1379 he endowed it with numerous benefices, including that of Swalcliffe.
In 1401 the college's governing body decided to rebuild the Rectory Barn. Constructed between 1401 and 1407, it stands unchanged 600 years later – perhaps the finest half-cruck (roof support) barn in England. It is 128' x 23'; its walls are predominantly local ironstone, 3' thick.
The nine great half-crucks and the other major roof timbers are original. The eastside has two gabled waggon porches newly equipped with solid oak doors. The roof is of Stonesfield slates.
After restoration by English Heritage in 1990/91 the building was leased to Oxfordshire Museums Services, to display some of the county collection of local agricultural and trade vehicles.
Swalcliffe was the site of an Iron Age fort and a large Roman settlement, both of which have been subject to archaeological digs.
The Swalcliffe Society has mounted a series of exhibits illustrating 2,500 years of Swalcliffe history. The current display highlights a Roman mosaic and other artefacts from the recent dig on a large Roman villa. |
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