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About
Eynsham is a market town in West Oxfordshire at an important crossing of the river Thames, midway between Oxford and Witney and a stone’s throw from the A40.
It’s recorded history goes back to Saxon times although a Bronze Age enclosure ditch, over 3,000 years old, was found under the site of the abbey. Eynsham Abbey was, in its time, one of the most important in the country.
Founded in 1005 by Aethelmar, Earl of Cornwall, the abbey was part of the Benedictine order. The abbey became wealthy, owning land throughout Oxfordshire and beyond. With the dissolution of the monasteries, the magnificent buildings gradually fell into decay. The stones were raided to build many of the village houses. By 1657, only the ruined west end was still standing. Carved fragments of stone from the abbey can still be seen in many of the buildings in the village.
Eynsham Wharf
The Thames provided Eynsham with a trade route from as early as 1302. From the middle ages to the mid-19th century Eynsham wharf was an important connection to Oxford and London, sending and receiving goods such as coal, corn, salt and stone. Much of the stone used to build the Oxford colleges was shipped through Eynsham.
Tolls and Trains
The crossing of the river Thames at Swinford could be hazardous - John Wesley nearly drowned in 1764 - so the Earl of Abingdon built Swinford toll bridge, which opened in 1769. The earl and his successors were granted the tolls tax-free, for ever. With the coming of the mail coach, then the car, Eynsham became an important staging post on the route from London to South Wales. The toll is still collected - 5 pence from every car that crosses the river.
Eynsham Today
Eynsham still retains its individual charm and character - not to mention much of its ancient heritage, with many 16th and 17th century buildings clustered around its historic centre.
