Blacksmiths Hill
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Blacksmiths Hill seems to have been the centre of many of the village’s tradesmen. Forge Cottage, next to no. 21 and opposite (alongside the entrance to Skittle Alley) is The Old Dairy Cottage.
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Number 21 is the tallest old building in village and was built around 1630. It was originally owned by Edward Jarvis, a farmer with 30 acres and an engineer. He once dug a well in the road outside the house and was fined by the court.
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The little window in the gable end of the three storey house can still be seen albeit it is now blocked up. It was one of three buildings built in the 17th Century by employing craftsmen from outside the village. The blacksmith’s forge is situated opposite.
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The house preceeding number 21 is Forge Cottage, which is of a similar age – note the tie plates in wall. They are there to stop the walls bowing out.
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On the other side of number 21 is Dove Cottage. Doves were kept as they provided fresh meat in winter. The little dovecote (on the end of the south gable) can still be seen.
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| Careful viewing shows the little triangular wooden framed owl window set in the apex of the gable. The rest of the building is now very different.
Appletrees was formerly the home of the carrier who transported goods to and from Banbury. His role became redundant with the advent of the motor car. |
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From Blacksmiths Hill walk through Skittle Alley and turn right down Hollow Way (be extra careful if you decide to use the raised path, which can be slippy)
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