Chalgrove

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Chalgrove is a village and civil parish in South Oxfordshire, about 10 miles southeast of Oxford. The parish includes the small hamlet of Rofford and the former parish of Warpsgrove, which merged with Chalgrove in 1932. The 2011 census recorded 2,830 residents.

History and landmarks
In 1643, during the Civil War, the Battle of Chalgrove Field was fought nearby; Parliamentarian John Hampden was wounded and died a few days later. A rare silver Roman coin, a radiate of Emperor Domitian II from around 271, was found at Chalgrove—the first such coin discovered in Britain. Archaeology near Back Brook revealed remains of a 13th-century moated manor house, and the nearby Chalgrove Manor, a Grade I listed building, dates to the 15th century with later additions.

The parish church, St Mary the Virgin, began in the 13th century. It has a canonical sundial on the south wall, and the chancel features medieval wall paintings from about 1320–1340, including Tree of Jesse and the Last Judgment. A highly regarded 17th-century painted monument is on view in St James’ chapel. The west tower houses six bells, cast between 1659 and 1888, and a sanctus bell from 1659. St Mary’s is also a Grade I listed building. The church has historic links with St Helen’s, Berrick Salome.

Village life and geography
Chalgrove began as a linear village along the main road to Oxford. In the Domesday era it had five mills on Chalgrove Brook; today only one mill remains on Mill Lane, restored in 1998 and sometimes used to grind corn. The brook system—Back Brook and Front Brook—shaped the landscape, and flood defenses were strengthened in the 19th century.

20th-century changes
The village grew rapidly after 1961 due to a new housing estate, Sixpenny Fields, and a bypass. The road into the development is named French Laurence Way after Rev. Laurence, the long-serving vicar who promoted better housing for agricultural workers.

World War II and after
Chalgrove Airfield was built in 1943 for US forces and played a role in reconnaissance ahead of the Normandy landings. After the war, the airfield was used by Martin-Baker to test ejector seats, including the first live ejection in 1946. Martin-Baker still uses the airfield. In 2016 the Ministry of Defence sold the site to the Homes and Communities Agency, which was taken over by Homes England in 2018.

Community, economy and facilities
Opposite the airfield is the Monument Park business park. The village is home to Chalgrove Band, formed in the late 19th century and re-formed in 1972, which has won several competitions and performs at local events. There are three pubs on the High Street: The Lamb, The Crown, and The Red Lion, the latter with historic timber framing. Local amenities include a sub-post office, other shops, a GP practice (The Brook Surgery), and a primary school. A bus service (Thames Travel route 11) runs six days a week, connecting Chalgrove with Oxford, Stadhampton, Garsington, Cowley and Watlington.

Sports, clubs and events
Chalgrove Cricket Club competes in the Oxfordshire league. Chalgrove Cavaliers FC and Chalgrove FC organise football for juniors and adults, with a past partnership between the clubs. The village has a Women’s Institute. Regular events include the May Day Festival and the Chalgrove Music Festival, which has run since 1988. A Midsummer Ball has been held at Chalgrove Manor in some years. The Village Hall hosts the World Miniature Wargaming Championship and has done so since 2016.