History
This new section is intended to hold all the various items of historical interest relating to Osney Island. Suggestions for what can included to alan@hilcot.demon.co.uk please.
Belloc on Osney
A poem by Hilaire Belloc composed in 1893 as an entry for the Newdigate Prize – Oxford University’s annual poetry prize. The poem didn’t win but mentions Osney and the Botley Road. I haven’t been able to discover who did win in 1893 but the chances are their poem won’t have worn as well….
About Osney Island
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.