Witney

Witney is a market town and civil parish in Oxfordshire, England, located on the River Windrush about 12 miles west of Oxford. It is the largest town in the West Oxfordshire district and is home to a population in the tens of thousands. The town developed in the medieval period as a market centre and became renowned for its textile industry, particularly wool and blankets. Witney blankets achieved national prominence and the town supported numerous weaving and blanket-making workshops into the 20th century.

Today, Witney functions as a commercial and service hub for the surrounding rural area. Its economy includes retail, light industry, and tourism, with historic attractions such as Cogges Manor Farm, a restored 12th‑century manor house with a working farmyard, and a traditional market square that has hosted markets for centuries. The Windrush River continues to shape the town’s character, providing riverside paths and crossings that link the old town to newer developments.

Governance and services: Witney lies within the West Oxfordshire district and forms part of the Witney parliamentary constituency. It is served locally by West Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council. The town supports multiple primary schools, secondary education facilities, and a further education college serving the wider area.

Transport: Witney is connected by road via the A40 and surrounding routes. The nearest railway services are in Oxford, with regional bus services providing links to nearby towns and villages. The town’s historic core, riverside walks, and family-friendly attractions continue to draw visitors and sustain community life.