About Oxfordshire

Country: England
Region: South East England
Established: 10th Century
Area: 2,605 km2 (1,006 sq mi)
Population: 238,000
Largest settlement: Oxford

Oxfordshire is a county in South East England.

The county is bordered by Northamptonshire and Warwickshire to the north, Buckinghamshire to the east, Berkshire to the south, and Wiltshire and  Gloucestershire to the west.

Oxford came from the Anglo-Saxon name of Oxenaford which means ‘ford for oxen’.

History:
Oxfordshire was recorded as a county in the early years of the 10th century.

Prehistoric Times:
Mesolithic artefacts, such as microliths and flint tools, have been discovered in the Oxfordshire area.

In 2024, Megalosaurus tracks were identified in Oxfordshire, which coincided with the 200th anniversary of the first scientific naming of a dinosaur, Megalosaurus. After excavations that began in 1997, the area was nicknamed "the dinosaur highway" by palaeontologists.

Roman Times:
Although it did have some significance as an area of valuable agricultural land in the centre of the country, it was largely ignored by the Romans and did not grow in importance until the formation of a settlement at Oxford in the 8th century. 

Anglo Saxon Times:
Anglo-Saxon evidence in Oxfordshire includes settlements like East Challow and Sutton Courtenay, featuring sunken-featured buildings and artifacts like pottery, loom weights, and bone objects. 

Norman Times:
Initially, Oxford, along with other parts of southern England, offered resistance to Norman control. However, the town eventually surrendered to William's forces, recognizing the futility of opposing the Norman army. One of the most notable impacts of the Norman Conquest on Oxford was the construction of Oxford Castle.

Tudor and Stuart Times:
Oxfordshire was a frequent location for royal visits, including those of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. These visits demonstrated the Tudor monarchs' power and influence in the region.

Industrial Revolution Times:
Oxfordshire saw limited direct impact from the Industrial Revolution as the city was largely focused on the university and traditional trades. However, the city did experience some growth related to increased trade and population, leading to the development of industries like brewing, textile, and paper mills on the outskirts.

Victorian Times:
Oxford's population grew dramatically during the Victorian era, influenced by university reforms and the expansion of the student population.

This growth led to increased demand for goods and services, which also increased employment and housing needs.

Middle class suburbs like North Oxford developed as college fellows were allowed to marry and settle with their families. 

Modern Times:
Oxfordshire is famous for its rich history, iconic architecture, and the presence of the University of Oxford, Bodleian Libraries, and Ashmolean Museum.

Oxfordshire is recognized as a leading global innovation hub, particularly in technology and knowledge-intensive industries.