Swann Gallery - History of Woodstock

Woodstock has a rich history closely linked to the Monarchy of England and stretching back some 900 years. A park and probably a hunting lodge for the use of royalty, existed in the area in Anglo Saxon times. In 1110 the relationship of royalty with Woodstock was strengthened by the building of a stone wall around the park by King Henry I, creating The Royal Park of Woodstock, designed to retain his menagerie of wild and exotic animals. The enclosure also led to the first settlement of Woodstock - Old Woodstock (north of the River Glyne) and he also enlarged the hunting lodge to create a grand manor house, where in 1330 the famous Black Prince was born.
 
Henry II often stayed at Woodstock with his mistress 'The Fair Rosamund' and he granted parcels of land to build hostelries for the use of his men, leading to the founding of the main Woodstock we know today. A weekly market, on Tuesdays was also established and a three day fair at the feast of St. Matthew. Over the years the Manor House expanded into a Palace and the young Elizabeth I was imprisoned here in 1554. During the English Civil War the Royalists used Woodstock as a base until besieged and the Palce destroyed by a Parliamentarian force. This gave rise to the famous “Royalist Devil of Woodstock” Ghost Story.

The remains of the Palace and the surrounding land within the boundary wall were given to the Duke of Marlborough by a grateful Queen Anne for the building of Blenheim Palace to celebrate his victories over the armies of Louis XIV. This was built in 1715 by the architect John Vanbrugh and the park was landscaped by Capability Brown. With the building of the new palace came much new building in Woodstock itself and many of the old timber-framed buildings were given new fronts of coursed stone and reroofed using slate from the nearby village of Stonesfield.

Woodstock became renowned for two crafts, glove making and decorative steel work. Examples can be seen in the Oxfordshire County Museum situated in the town. Woodstock Market Place is dominated by The Town Hall, built in 1766. To the south is the Bear Hotel which dates back to the 13th century. Across Park Street, behind the Town Stocks, Fletcher’s House – a 16th century merchant’s is now the Museum. The tree-lined Park Street leads to Blenheim Park and the gates of Blenheim Palace. From here you can view one of the most famous and breathtaking views in England of the Palace, Lake and Bridge. 

Market Street and High Street bustle with activity, as does Oxford Street, the main thoroughfare. Each has a pleasing mix of small shops, inns and private houses where car parking is convenient and free. The town is also well known for its many cultural festivities throughout the year including an Arts Week, Literary Festival, Woodstock Live Music Festival, Carnival and the historic “Mock Mayor” celebrations.