The Bicester Area

Bicester is the second largest town in the Cherwell District of Oxfordshire. It was established in the sixth century and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. The town is currently experiencing growth and prosperity from its proximity to the M40 motorway linking London with Birmingham via Oxford.

Bicester is a busy town with close links to the military. It was used as the headquarters of the parliamentary forces in the civil war and has retained its army heritage.

The town contains many areas of historic interest, including the market square which features buildings in many architectural styles.

The older houses in the town tend to be recognisable because of the longstraw thatch or red clay tiles on the roof, with the high status houses tending to use Welsh blue slate.

The modern draw for the town is shopping, especially Bicester Village – a popular designer outlet shopping village where people come from miles around to snap up designer bargains.

Bicester Avenue Garden Centre and Retail Park is also popular and contains one of the UK’s largest garden centres.

The historic streets are also good for shopping and include local shops and national chains. Sheep Street is pedestrianised and is within easy access from the car parks. There are also weekly Friday markets and a visiting French market which comes a few times a year.

The nearby villages are also worth exploring. Interestingly, author Flora Thompson based 'Lark Rise to Candleford' on the villages of Juniper Hill, Fringford, Cottisford, and Hethe.

The Old Forge in Fringford is where Flora was assistant postmistress until 1897. It changed usage from a forge to a sub-post office and is now a private house.