Drovers’ Roads in Oxfordshire and Beyond
In centuries past drovers took cattle, sheep and ponies from the far reaches of West Wales to London and the South East, passing through Oxfordshire on the way.
This talk tells of the wilderness paths which they followed to avoid paying fees at toll gates, with the dangers of harsh weather and highway robbery. It also describes drovers’ lives, their favoured inns and the tell-tale marks which they left on the landscape.
Abingdon lay on their route to London and Tim details the stir they caused as they drove their wild Welsh ponies through the town!
Tea and Coffee will be available.
Raffle
Second-hand Book Stall
Large free car park adjacent to the hall.
Visitors and Non-Members are welcome – £5 pp
Image: Cold Harbour Road
Date
- Mon 17 Mar 2025
Time
Doors open at 7.15pm- 19:30 - 21:30
Location
- Long Furlong Community Centre, Boulter Drive, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1XP
Organiser
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Abingdon Branch - Berkshire FHS
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Email
abingdon@berksfhs.org.uk
Speaker
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Tim HealeyFreelance writer Tim Healey has presented many programmes on BBC Radio 3 and 4, including Music of the Drove Roads with producer Paul Evans. A frequent contributor to The Oxford Times colour magazine he has special interests in Oxfordshire’s history, landscape and heritage. Tim also directs 17th century costume band The Oxford Waits with who he performs in period attire.