Radcot Bridge Cottage

18/08/2024

A hot summer day is perfect for a leisurely walk along the river, ending with a cool, refreshing pint (non-alcoholic for me, lol) at your local pub 😎👌

13/08/2024

Set away from towns and light pollution, the gardens of Radcot Bridge Cottage are the perfect place to do a bit of stargazing.

25/06/2024

03/04/2024

Faringdon Folly is a well-known local landmark visible for miles around and only a short drive from Radcot. While it can be a pleasant walk up the hill to stroll around the base of the tower, it's even more special to visit when the folly itself is open to visitors.

The climb of over 150 steps takes you first to the Belvedere Room, then up to the Lantern Room, with some fascinating information boards about the extraordinarily brilliant, and eccentric, Lord Berners, who constructed the folly in 1935. Finally, it’s one last short climb up a steep set of steps to the roof where the view from the top is spectacular. On a fine day (such as it was this Easter Monday), you can see five counties……… and with a pair of binoculars, and a keen eye, its also possible to see the roof of Radcot Bridge Cottage.

The Folly is open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, April to October 2024.

For more information about the Folly visit www.faringdonfolly.org.uk

01/01/2024

We may not have had a white Christmas, but we still may have crisp, frosty mornings or perhaps even snow in the upcoming months. If you're seeking a serene winter retreat with leisurely walks along the Thames riverbank leading to local pubs and cozy evenings by the woodburner, consider Radcot Bridge Cottage. Situated in rural west Oxfordshire this dog-friendly cottage can accommodate up to six guests and offers availability for both short and extended holiday stays throughout the winter and spring.

Visit www.RadcotBridgeCottage.com for more information.

22/10/2023

While we haven't experienced the storm conditions that some parts of the country have, there has been a lot of rain, and river levels have risen.

A mile upriver of Radcot is Grafton Lock, where lock-keepers Dani, Lee (and Chris 🐈) provide an invaluable service to those of us downstream by posting updates on the state of the Thames. In addition, they also share about general life and wildlife around the lock, and most importantly, about the latest donut creations from Blake's Kitchen.

So, if you want to stay up-to-date on local river news, please like them on Life at the Lock

20/10/2023

The nights are growing shorter, and there's a noticeable autumn chill in the air so what could be more enjoyable than staying in and cozying up by the fire with a jigsaw puzzle? This 1,000-piece challenge features a beautiful depiction of Clanfield, created by the local artist Tee Trueman and is just one of the puzzles available for guests staying the cottage to complete.

03/09/2023

What a lovely review our most recent guests left in the visitors' book! I'm delighted they not only enjoyed the cottage but also the plums growing in the garden (it was also a timely reminder that it's time to pick the fruit before the wasps get to them). What a harvest – after last year's hot summer, the tree only yielded 1 lb of fruit, but this year it's over 20 lb! Time to get creative with my recipes. 🤔😃

01/09/2023

The annual weekend of Radfest, held in the garden of Ye Olde Swan pub at Radcot, kicks off tonight. Judging from the lineup, it looks like there will be bands to cater to all tastes and ages, and I'm sure there'll be plenty of merriment and dancing during the course of the days (and nights). 🎶🕺💃

Ye Olde Swan

28/08/2023

An August Bank Holiday walk along the Thames footpath from Radcot to the Trout Inn at Lechlade (and back again – 11.4 miles for those intrepid enough to try) and it's not possible to miss the small concrete pillboxes set close to the riverbank every half mile. People know they are a legacy of World War II, but it got me thinking… why are they called pillboxes? 🤔

An initial Google search revealed that the Oxford English Dictionary claimed the first use of the word "pillbox" was in an article in the Scotsman newspaper dated 13th September 1917. However, a subsequent search suggested the term originated on the German western front in 1916, World War I, while a further search found a reference to the Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology from 1887, which said a ‘pillbox’ is a "small, round emplacement for housing a machine gun," with no other reason for the name except for their similarity in shape to that of a pillbox, the small containers used to carry medicinal pills (although medicinal pillboxes don't normally have two-foot thick walls of concrete!).

A final search also found claim it was a shortening of 'pillar boxes' – because the slit windows look like the letter slot on a post box. Unless anyone can come up with another theory, it appears the origins are something of a grey area.

Whatever the case, pillboxes in the UK were built from May 1940 when the War Office realised the country was vulnerable to invasion. So, they decided to construct a network of stop lines along coastal and river routes. Over the course of nine months, 28,000 pillboxes were built around the UK, manned by the ‘Dads Army’ of the Home Guard. However, by February 1941, resources became available to enhance mobile defenses, so an order was issued to stop further construction of pillboxes. Of the ones built, less than 7,000 still stand as a testament to the war effort.

Special thanks goes to my partner who was very tolerant and stoic as he was not expecting such a long walk (although we did stop and have an excellent meal at The Trout before venturing home).

17/08/2023

A little bit of local history...... anyone venturing downstream from Radcot along the Thames footpath will soon encounter the arched wooden bridge located just beyond Radcot Lock. Depending on whom you speak to, you will discover that it is known by a couple of names: Old Man’s Bridge and High Bridge.

Long before the construction of the current Radcot lock, there existed a weir, known as Harper's Weir, but also Old Man's Weir over which traders could cross from Berkshire, which at one time was the south bank, to Oxfordshire on the north.

A photograph taken around 1860 by the renowned photographer Henry Taunt depicts Thomas Harper, whose family operated the 'flash lock' and weir between 1841 and 1871. A ‘flash lock’ was a temporary dam with sets of paddles, supported against the current by upright timbers which kept the level of water above it to navigable levels. Boats moving downstream would wait above the lock until the paddles were removed, which would allow a "flash" of water to pass through, carrying the boats with it. Upstream boats would be winched or towed through the lock.

On either side of the river near the weir, were two public houses: The Fox & Hounds on the north bank and The Spotted Cow on the south side close to Thrupp – both serving road and river travellers. They have long since disappeared, the former burnt down in March 1879, while a cottage in Thrupp is still called ‘The Spotted Cow’.

Apparently the weir too had disappeared by 1868, and shortly afterward, a new footbridge was constructed. This 'new' bridge featured a 'steep trestle and five openings'; however, by 1894, it had become unsafe and had to be rebuilt. The subsequent bridge is also steep and narrow, with barely enough width for two people to pass. Story goes this was to prevent traders crossing the bridge with carts trying to avoid paying the tolls further upstream at Radcot. In the meantime, in 1892 a new lock, Radcot Lock, was constructed and it’s still in use today although the original lock-keepers house had to be rebuild in 1986 owing to subsidence.

The bridge is a wonderful place to stop, set in the middle of nowhere and numerous walkers climb to the top, regardless of whether they need to cross or not, simply to enjoy the view of the river and water meadows.

02/08/2023

The river at Radcot has been a draw to boaters and holiday makers alike for many years, as this advert from 1931 shows, although the five buses a day are long gone.

16/06/2023

It's the 16th of June, and that's an important date in the local angler's diary, as today marks the start of the 2023 - 2024 fishing season. The Radcot Angling and Preservation Club maintains the water between Grafton Lock and Radcot Lock, and guests staying at Radcot Bridge Cottage can enjoy the pleasure of fishing from the comfort of its garden as it backs straight onto the river. A local rod permit is required, just contact us on arrival if you need one.

08/06/2023

The prehistoric paddlers called in at the Swan and discovered something of interest hanging from the ceiling….

08/06/2023

It’s not every day you hear about two ladies paddling down the river in prehistoric garb and boat.

05/06/2023

It’s lovely to watch as boats cruise by the cottage garden… especially when they look as pretty as this 😍😀👍

27/05/2023

Friars Court is only a mile from Radcot Bridge Cottage and a delightful garden to visit.

25/05/2023

As enthusiasts of vintage photographs, we were thrilled to be shown this picture of Radcot that we’d not seen before. The photo was on the website of the Faringdon & District Archaeological & Historical Society. Possibly taken in the 1930s, it offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past, capturing a quieter time with a north-facing view from Radcot Bridge towards the Canal Bridge, with Radcot Bridge Cottage clearly visible on the left. Aside from the long-gone tall trees and telegraph pole, another intriguing detail is the sloping roof at the back of the cottage, which predates the addition of the modern first-floor extension.

18/05/2023

Riverside holiday getaway

Radcot Bridge Cottage, Oxfordshire, is uniquely situated on the bank of the Thames and named after the oldest bridge over the river, and is the perfect base for those walking the Thames footpath, exploring the Cotswolds, or simply as a place to relax and watch the boats and clouds drift by. With direct garden access to the river, the cottage is also ideal for anglers, canoeists, and paddleboarders too.

The 18th-century, three-bedroom, dog-friendly cottage sleeps six guests and is comfortably furnished throughout. It also boasts a large balcony and a decked terrace for enjoying al-fresco dining and watching the sunset.

For more information visit www.RadcotBridgeCottage.com

14/04/2023

Out with the old, in with the... older.

Late 19th century chairs do age well, but sadly this button-back tub armchair is in need of some urgent TLC. It happened when a guest sat on it and their bottom went further down than they expected when the webbing gave way. Thankfully, nobody was injured apart from losing a bit of dignity.

As it was part of a pair, both are now scheduled for upholstery, and Mr. Design will enjoy the fun (but still a challenge) of finding a new fabric. In the meantime, Mr. Budget has found something at Friars Court that will act as a temporary replacement, which are some family heirlooms comprising of a pair of mid-19th century nursing chairs.

09/04/2023

Hot cross buns 😋
Happy Easter everyone ☺️

18/03/2023

Mr Budget fondly remembers reading ‘The Wool-Pack’ – a children's novel by Cynthia Harnett published in 1951 – during his childhood.

Set in Burford, The Wool-Pack begins in 1493 when Nicholas Fetterlock, twelve-year-old son of a rich wool merchant, learns, from his father, that he is to be betrothed to Cecily Bradshaw, daughter of a rich cloth merchant in Newbury. Nicholas travels with his father to meet her and their journey takes them across the Thames at Radcot. Upon returning to Burford Nicholas discovers the work of swindlers who could ruin his father's business so he and Cecily set out to stop them.

The story takes the reader on a gentle historical journey seen through the eyes of a young man of the 15th Century with added elements of a mystery which would enthral a child from the 1950s and, hopefully, still today.

10/03/2023

When the bay tree (Laurus nobilis) outside Radcot Bridge Cottage needed some light pruning the result was two-fold.

Firstly it became aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Secondly the trimmed branches could be hung in the airing cupboard for a few of weeks and the now dried leaves can be used to add some wonderful flavour to stews and casseroles. Delicious

01/03/2023

A 10-minute drive from Radcot (or just an hours walk upstream along the Thames Path) is Kelmscott Manor, the country home of the writer and designer William Morris from 1871 until his death in 1896.

Described by Morris as 'a Heaven on Earth’ he loved the Manor and adjoining farm buildings as a work of true craftmanship, unspoilt and unaltered, and in harmony with the surrounding countryside.

Visitors today can still experience the beauty and seclusion that inspired many of William Morris’s most important designs. The Manor opens for the 2023 season on Saturday 1st April and thereafter every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until the end of October. For more information please visit www.sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor

19/02/2023

Guests staying at Radcot Bridge Cottage have only to cross the river to enjoy a drink or meal at Ye Olde Swan. It’s also convenient for Mr Budget when he doesn’t fancy cooking…. a Sunday roast with all the trimmings and it would be rude not to sample something off the pudding menu. And what better way to finish it off but a walk along the Thames.

02/01/2023

Two fully festive furry felines, Peggy & Smudge, stayed at with their humans. Santa Paws left purr-fect presents for them under the tree, they enjoyed many energetic hours purr-fecting "cat-napping in front of the wood-burner" and had a paws-otively purr-fect time away.

Happy Meow Year!!

22/12/2022

Wouldn't really be Christmas without a Christmas wreath...
.. made Charles (a.k.a. Mr Budget to those who've followed this page from the start) under the patient tutelage of Emma from Cowshed Flowers.

20/12/2022

Hardly standard social media fare for a but who could resist an post when a decisive event happened right next to – albeit about 400 years before the cottage ever existed…

A Royal family squabble that’d out-do any convoluted soap opera story line culminated in a showdown on Wednesday the 19th (some sources say the 20th) of December 1387 that would lead to a shift in the line of succession to the English throne.

A group of nobles (including his own uncle) were concerned that Richard II showered rather too much favouritism on his favourites, worried that he might be deposed, Richard dispatched his chief favourite Robert de Vere, 9th Earl of Oxford, Marquess of Dublin, and 1st (and only) Duke of Ireland to Cheshire to raise an army to protect Richard’s position in London. Richard’s uncle, Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester blocked one route to London forcing de Vere and his men south towards Burford where Richard Fitzalan, 4th Earl of Arundel, 9th Earl of Surrey, and his men were waiting. With that route east blocked, de Vere and his men were funnelled down to the closest remaining crossing point over the Thames: Radcot Bridge.

Late in the afternoon, de Vere marched some 800 men through the village of Clanfield on to Radcot, at that time a thriving port shipping wool and stone to London. On reaching the bridge, de Vere’s forces were confronted by two grave problems: firstly, on the southern, Faringdon, side of the Thames were gathered the opposing forces of Henry Bolingbroke, son of John of Gaunt and cousin to Richard II, in front of them. The second problem was the demolished apex of Radcot Bridge. Thirdly, de Vere had neglected to dispatch rear scouts who would have seen advancing towards them, through the encroaching dusk, the troops of the Earl of Arundel. Trapped and potentially about to be routed, de Vere threw off much of his armour, plunged into the river and swam away leaving his men to surrender.

Thomas, Richard, Henry, and other members of the Lords Appellant forced Richard’s surrender, took over as regents then systematically arrested, imprisoned, banished and executed their way through Richard’s household. By 1388 Parliamentary support for the Lords Appellant was waning and by 1397 Richard was back in command and seeking vengeance: Gloucester was suffocated in exile, Arundel beheaded, Warwick imprisoned, and the two junior lords exiled.

John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Richard’s uncle returned to England in 1389, dying 10 years later, Richard had his exiled heir, Henry Bolingbroke, disinherited. Henry returned to England vowing to reclaim his father’s estates while Richard was on a military campaign in Ireland, Henry quickly gained enough power and popular support to have himself declared King over Richard’s presumed heir. Richard himself was imprisoned in Pontefract Castle where he died under somewhat cloudy but convenient circumstances.

As for the damaged Radcot Bridge, it was repaired by 1393 but with a curved, not pointed, central arch that remains to this day.

18/12/2022

The run of cold weather might have just broken (thankfully) - here's a lovely view across the snowy, frosty island to the cottage with a wisp of ice crystals blowing off the trees behind...

Kind of weather when you truly appreciate good central heating and a wood-burner!!

06/12/2022

That time of year and a few new decorations added to the tree which has already been enjoyed by our first December guests. I think we may still have availability around the Christmas period for that last-minute break from Christmas shopping😄

Look us up on the website!