Defending Oxfordshire: The Military Landscape from Prehistory to the Present

Evidence for Oxfordshire’s strategic location in ancient times can be found in the remains of prehistoric hillforts, fortified Roman towns and Saxon burhs. Both Oxford and Wallingford were besieged during Stephen and Matilda’s war of succession and again 500 years later during the Civil War. Charles I chose Oxford as his capital, defending it with garrisons at Bletchingdon, Banbury and Chipping Norton. Later, local volunteer forces formed in the county, gaining state recognition during Quee...