From Saxon invasions and Civil War battles, hidden histories of the 10 Shelswell villages, WW2 Home Guard and Special Operations, to “lost villages” and country crafts, there’s something for everyone.
A special play has been created by a team of local and professional residents based on local Victorian author Flora Thompson’s trilogy Lark Rise to Candleford and More Tales from Lark Rise written by Flora’s sister Betty Timms.
The weekend event is being held in Shelswell Park, in the countryside setting which Flora Thompson called Skeldon Park. Reminiscing about the celebrations in the park for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee she wrote: “There were more people in the park than the children had ever seen before, and the roundabouts, swings and coconut shies were doing a roaring trade.
“Tea was taken in a huge marquee in relays, one parish at a time, and the sound of the brass band, roundabout hurdy-gurdy, coconut thwacks, and showmen’s shouting surged around the frail, canvas walls like a roaring sea.”
The play will be performed on Sunday followed by an evening barn dance and pig roast.
Shelswell Estate, Fringford, Bicester, OX27 8EF
The charity will raise awareness of local history and benefit local causes in the Shelswell area.
(Charity Number 1171846)
For more information and ticket details go to www.shelswellhistoryfestival.org.uk
www.facebook.com/Shelswell-History-Festival
