Pictures of Islip

About Islip

Islip is a pretty place that lies in spacious open countryside where the River Ray flows into the Cherwell. It has a long, illustrious history going back to Saxon times when a Royal Palace was situate here, it was to be the birthplace of Edward the Confessor, who later left Islip to the monastry he had founded at Westminster. This act of favour caused strong ties to develop between Islip and the Palace of Westminster, these ties remain to this day.

A graceful arched bridge, scene of a skirmish at the time of the Civil War spans the River Ray. Crossing the bridge you become conscious of the history of this little place and are not surprised by the assembly of gracious old houses and cottages that are spread before you. It is a pleasant, very English village of well manicured lawns, cottages with thick thatch or of stone with lush creeper rambling at will over ancient walls. Some of the properties date from the 17th-century, this is true of the handsome Rectory, built by Dr. Robert South in 1689. Dr. South was Rector here from 1678 until the year of his death 1716. Once Chaplain to King Charles II this good man contributed greatly to the life and well-being of his parish. He generously provided for the education of the village children and he paid for restoration work to his church.

This is a pleasant village to amble around, at every turn there is something to catch the eye. The Woosters Arms is an interesting property, it was once a coaching inn and staging post in the romantic days of coach travel, but is now a private home. From the sparkling rivers Ray and Cherwell come the famous Islip eels which at one time were sent to London pubs. Looking around there is little doubt that this is, and perhaps always has been, a prosperous village that wears well a quiet air of contentment and where old buildings blend harmoniously with new. The countryside all around is quite beautiful, it is an area of peaceful lanes and meadows.

Islip, is not far from Oxford and is but a stone's throw from Woodstock and Blenheim Palace, the national trust Ducks Decoy is also nearby. The area has a wealth of hospitable pubs and restauarants.