Headington became part of Oxford in 1929, but it has never regarded itself as a mere suburb. It has always been a thriving community in its own right, and there was even a time when it was larger and more important than the boggy crossing-place for oxen in the river valley down the hill.
The village of Old Headington to the north of the London Road is the original village, dating from Saxon times when it was the centre of a large royal manor called "Hedena's tun". Today this village boasts no fewer than 33 listed buildings and structures, including its fine Norman church. A second village, Headington Quarry, grew up around the stone pits from about 1630, and both villages are now conservation areas. The third village, New Headington, was purpose-built in the 1850s.
Today central Headington has a population of approximately 15,000, with as many people again in its outlying areas. It probably has more hospitals per square mile than anywhere else in the world, and also has a university of its own, Oxford Brookes. These two factors make its population more transient but add to its vitality. Its community centres and parish halls are always a hive of activity, and it has a fine park, a library, and good local schools. |
| |
Add a Link
