UPPER & LOWER BODDINGTON are two villages which lie about eight miles north east of Banbury just off the A361 in South Northamptonshire.
Records in the Domesday Book show that the area was originally known as Botendon.
The medieval church of St John the Baptist in Upper Boddington is mainly 15th century but it has examples of 13th century masonry demonstrating the village’s long history.
Many listed buildings can be found dotted round the villages and some of the oldest date from the 15th century.
These include the quirky Island Cottage in Upper Boddington which sits on a traffic island and the Anvil Cottage next to the forge in Lower Boddington.
The Plough pub in Upper Boddington, which dated back to the 16th century, has played a key role in village life over the years.
This Grade Two listed building was destroyed by fire in March 2003 but has been rebuilt brick by brick and reopened on April 20th 2004
The Carpenters Arms, Lower Boddington, remains ever popular.
The countryside around the Boddingtons is characterised by a traditional patchwork landscape.
Hedgerows are a significant feature and are made up of hawthorn and the rarer midland thorn.
Other indicators of ancient hedges are also present, these include hazel dogwood and field maple.
Boddington Reservoir can be found to the east. It was built some 200 years ago to feed the South Oxford Canal and it still in use by British Waterways.
The reservoir is a popular spot for walkers and it provides a quiet and peaceful stretch of water amidst the rolling fields.
Banbury Sailing club are active users of the reservoir.
Worth visiting nearby
Bygones Museum, Claydon - Housed in farm buildings, the displays show 19th and early 20th century material from the homes, farms, offices and craft workshops of the Midland Counties. Also shown are seven tractors, a 1903 traction engine, a 1912 steam roller, a 1915 Merry Weather fire pump, three stationary steam engines and other model steam engines. All in steam on the first Sunday in the month and Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays from the months of April to September. Also on show are around 25 stationary engines, grass mowers, horticutural and agricultural machines, motor-cycles, bicycles and a Sinclair C5 etc. Together with a solicitor, printing press, 10 local shops and display centre Telephone 01295 690258
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