| Shutford | |
St Martin's parish church |
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Shutford
Shutford shown within Oxfordshire |
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| Population | 461 (2001 census)[1] |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | SP3840 |
| Parish | Shutford |
| District | Cherwell District |
| Shire county | Oxfordshire |
| Region | South East |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Banbury |
| Postcode district | OX15 |
| Dialling code | 01295 |
| Police | Thames Valley |
| Fire | Oxfordshire |
| Ambulance | South Central |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament | Banbury |
| List of places: UK • England • Oxfordshire | |
Shutford is a village and civil parish about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) west of Banbury in Oxfordshire. The village is about 475 feet (145 m) above sea level.
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The manor house was built in the last quarter of the 16th century. In 1928 the architect Walter Tapper added a western extension and northwest wing.[2] The manor house was once owned by the Saye and Sele family, whose seat is now 3 miles (4.8 km) from Shutford at Broughton Castle.
From about 1750 Shutford was part of the Banbury area's plush industry.[3] Banbury was the centre for dyeing, marketing and distributing, but yarn was sent out to surrounding villages where it was woven.[4] By 1850 the industry in the rest of the Banbury area was declining under competition from power loom weavers in Coventry.[4] However, Shutford remained in the plush trade by concentrating on the skilled manufacture of high quality plush for liveries, upholstery and furnishings.[4] Shutford introduced power looms in 1885 and supplied plush for the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia in 1896.[4] The factory closed in 1948, reportedly because of a shortage of craftsmen willing to live and work in a country village.[4]
Shutford has historic buildings built from local Hornton stone. A fire in 1701 destroyed many local buildings but by 1774 it was one of the largest villages in Banburyshire, with 71 homes.
From the collapse of the plush industry to the 1960s Shutford declined, losing its school, its public house, and for a time having no Vicar.
The Church of England Parish Church of Saint Martin dates from the 12th century, when it was built in the transitional style between Norman and Early English Gothic. The north aisle, two bays of the arcade between this aisle and the nave, and the lower stage of the bell tower survive from this period.[2] In the 13th century the north aisle was extended eastwards with an Early English Gothic third bay.[2] In the 13th or 14th century the nave was rebuilt in the Decorated Gothic style. The south windows, porch and doorway, chancel arch and east window all date from this period.[2] The Perpendicular Gothic windows of the north aisle and the upper stage of the bell tower were added later. The church building was restored in 1841.[2] Since 1955 it has been a Grade II* listed building.[5]
Shutford had a Methodist chapel. It is now a private house.[6]
The village has a free house pub and restaurant, the George and Dragon.[7] The village had a small Post Office in Ivy Lane, but this closed in 2005.
Shutford has a Women's Institute.[8]