Touring through Farindon, Oxfordshire, England can be a pleasing activity. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Faringdon enjoys a population of around 6,000 people. It is what's called a market town in the English classification system, and it's sited in the Vale of White Horse -- a local government district of Oxfordshire, the county in which Faringdon resides. History abounds everywhere you look.
Faringdon itself is located on rim of the Thames Valley, which is the area that serves to drain into the river which gives the valley its name. The town's economic fortunes have risen due to its being a part of the European version of a free enterprise trade zone. The town's name goes back to the Anglo-Saxon era, when kings of that time in Wessex and in England had a palace near the town. It also is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book, the property survey ordered by William I.
In the town is a fine example of 17th century governmental architecture. The Town Hall is still a focal point of Faringdon's activities, in fact. A locally-famous manor house and estate lies close to the town's borders. Called Faringdon House, it played a minor role during the English Civil War. The present-day living quarters were built in 1780. A notable British authoress currently owns the estate.
Geologically, the town is home to the famous Faringdon sponge gravel, which dates from the Cretaceous period, some 60 to 145 million years ago. The land is filled with fine examples of fossilized sponges from the period. It is a very geologically-diverse region, in other words. Historically, the town also counts a fortified hill defensive ring and network of battlements first erected around 1135 or so. Called the Faringdon Folly, it was used during World War II as an observation post for British home guard troops.
Oxfordshire is the county in which Faringdon resides. It has a population of around 640,000 people, and counts tourism as its major industry. It is most famous for the town of Oxford, in which sits the West's oldest college, the University of Oxford. Both Faringdon and Oxfordshire are great examples of what classic English life is like.
For accommodation in Faringdon check this list of Faringdon hotels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone
Author: Simon Haughtone
Click Here For New and Used Caravans and Caravan Awnings
Mail this post
You must log in to post a comment.