The history of Osney Island dates back to the Middle Ages when it was described as an area to the east of the Island today, and part of an area called Burgess’s Meadows. It even features in great medieval literature – the miller in Chaucer’s The Miller’s Tale was actually the miller of Osney Mill.
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Osney Island is one of Oxford’s best-kept secrets. Located to the west of the city only minutes from the railway station and just off the busy Botley Road, it’s a small ‘village’ of some 300 households surrounded on all sides by the Thames and the Osney Stream.
Walk over the footbridge and drop down to the Island you are immediately in another world with boats, wildlife and the tranquillity of the river. It really is an island in the centre of Oxford.
Shaped like an old-fashioned belt buckle, streets named after the points of the compass provide its frame with Bridge St the prong in the middle. Most of the houses are small terraced homes – but you’d be amazed how inventive people have been in making the most of small spaces.
The population of Osney Island is an eclectic mix of people. Some have been born and bred here, others are commuters, academics, artists. We all enjoy the very special community spirit.
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