Shirburn, Oxfordshire

Flower Delivery to Shirburn with Clare Florist

Notable for its find beech woods, Shirburn was more thickly wooded during the Middle Ages. It's one of the Chiltern parishes and just like them, it is narrow (3/4-mile across) and long. Covering 2,421 acres, its boundaries mostly remain the same as they were during Saxon times.

And just like all the other villages below the Chilterns, Shirburn was sited on the spring line. In fact, it takes its name from a brook, the “bright stream” and its fields lay on all sides of the parish known as “below-the-hill.”

History

Shirburn was divided between two lords – Robert d'Oilly and Roger d'Ivry – in 1086. They were sworn companions in arms and arranged to divide their spoils. d'Ivry held a manor assessed at 10 hides that was referred to as EAST SHIRBURN. From the d'Ivry barony, overlordship was passed to the honour of St Valery which was then attached to the Earldom of Cornwall.

d'Oilly – Constable of Oxford Castle – held the second manor which was assessed at 10 hides and was often called WEST SHIRBURN. The overlordship was held by the d'Oilly's until 1232 until Thomas de Newburgh, Earl of Warwick inherited it.

Although the manors were called East and West Shirburn during the medieval period, it wasn't because of their location but rather, their position. The estates were similar but the d'Ivry manor had more woodland and had a higher value.

By 1279, there were three principal manors in Shirburn: the d'Ivry manor (now owned by Henry le Tyeys) and two parts of the d'Oilly manor (divided between Sir Roger Burghfield and Sir Geoffrey de Dutton).

Lord Macclesfield became one of the leading farmers in the country during the 19th century. His estate was exceptionally well farmed with profits coming from his Devon cows and oxen. He also took good care of the woodland.

By the 20th century, farming at Shirburn followed the pattern of Oxfordshire agriculture in general.

Local Attractions

There are a couple of historic sites in Shirburn, and these include:

·    Shirburn Castle – was the centre of Recusansy throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. It was the seat of the Earls of Macclesfield and George Parker, the 2nd Earl of Macclesfield, conducted a lot of astrological observations at the castle. The present owner is the Beechwood Estates Company, an estate management company of the Macclesfield family.

·    All Saints Church – established in the 12th century and the oldest part that remains is the bell tower as it looks to be Norman with the exception of the upper stage which looks to be from the 18th century. The church was made redundant in 1995 and now belongs to the Churches Conservation Trust.

Whether on a romantic date or a solo journey, these sites make wonderful destinations for lovers of history and architecture. If you choose the former, why not buy some Shirburn flowers for your date to surprise them before the journey?

Nearby Attractions

While you're in Shirburn, take some time to explore some nearby sites. Whether it's history you seek or some open space, there's an attraction waiting for you. Here are a couple of them:

·    Stonor Park
·    Wallingford Museum
·    Waterperry Gardens and Rural Museum
·    Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary
·    Dorchester Abbey

If you happen to be on a romantic journey, don't forget to buy some flowers in Shirburn to put a smile on your date's face. If not, you can always send flowers to Shirburn as well. What better way to begin exploring historical sites than by presenting a bouquet of flowers?

Whether you have an aunt or sister who lives in Shirburn, you can order flowers for delivery to Shirburn conveniently from us. It doesn't matter if you want to send them a bouquet or want to send blooms because of a special occasion – Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, a birthday, etc. No matter the occasion, you can send flowers to Shirburn through us and put a smile on their face. What's more, we offer next-day delivery!

Share this location:

• Twitter
• Facebook