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About Hook Norton

This pleasant village is brim full of stone houses and terraces spilling down the side of a hill, topped by an impressive Norman church. Interestingly, in spite of the fact that it is not as well known as other tourist villages, Hook Norton is on the fringe of the Cotswolds.

The village is best known for Hook Norton Brewery; the home of 'real ale'. The brewery is housed in a traditional Victorian building dating from the 19th-century, and is a Mecca for real ale buffs. The town has links with past industry and former prosperity depended upon ironstone, iron foundries and a quarry, thus, Hook Norton differs from other Cotswold villages, whose livelihoods have come from agriculture and dairy farming.

A visit to the Church of St.Peter is a must. The church is the first thing you see on approaching the village, it has a lofty Norman tower and inside there is a magnificent Norman font adorned with the figures of Adam and Eve and signs from the Zodiac.

Hook Norton went into decline when the railway line was axed, some of it's industries were forced to move elsewhere, however, the flag fluttering boldly in the wind over the brewery proclaims renewed prosperity and the fact that Hook Norton is now firmly on the map. During the summer months the village hosts a Music Festival and a Fine Ales Festival.

Of further interest in the area is the near-by Wildfowl Sanctuary and Children's Farm, the Rollwright Stones and Chaselton House.
Close-by Stow-on-the-Wold has interesting stone buildings and delightful shops set around the fine town square. Chipping Norton also offers fine buildings and pleasant antique shops.

Interesting & Historical Facts about Hook Norton

Hook Norton's 18th century hand-pumped fire engine, which was in use until 1896, is preserved in St. Peter's parish church within the village.

Hook Norton facts | Oxfordshire facts

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