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CROWMARSH GIFFORD
The name 'Crowmarsh', not surprisingly, means literally a marsh frequented by crows, whereas 'Gifford' is derived from the name of Walter Giffard who was granted the manor after the Norman Conquest. Walter Giffard eventually became the Earl of Buckingham. In 1139 the first of a series of wooden forts were built in Crowmarsh by King Stephen in opposition to Wallingford Castle, which supported his cousin Matilda, during the civil war. These were dismantled under the terms of the Treaty of Wallingford of 1153. The parish curch in the centre of the village is the Church of St Mary Magdalene which is partly Norman. In 1701 agriculturist Jethro Tull invented a revolutionary seed drill in Crowmarsh Gifford and his cottages can still be seen on the northern side of The Street. Nearby is Mongewell Park which recently was the site of Carmel College, a Jewish co-educational boarding school. Carmel College closed in June 1997. |
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