Witney

This narrative explores the rich history of Witney, detailing its development as a market town, the rise of the blanket industry, and the impact of local industry changes over the years.

Witney explores the rich history of this Cotswold town, detailing its development from a planned community under the guidance of the Bishops of Winchester to a bustling market town by the end of the Middle Ages. The town's unique layout, characterized by a spacious market area along the river Windrush and surrounded by a drainage ditch known as ‘Emma’s Dyke,’ facilitated its growth. By this time, Witney had established a burgeoning blanket industry, which would become a significant aspect of its identity.

The narrative delves into the town's experiences during the English Civil War, highlighting the local population's support for Parliament and the rise of nonconformist religious movements, such as Quakerism and Methodism. John Wesley's frequent visits underscored the town's role as a center of dissent during the Restoration period. As the blanket trade flourished, the establishment of several textile mills by the early 19th century marked a turning point in Witney's industrial landscape.

The book also chronicles the introduction of the Witney Railway in 1858, which facilitated the transport of cheap coal and led to the construction of steam-powered mills, including Bridge Street Mill and Witney Mill. Although the local economy diversified in the mid-20th century with the establishment of a factory by Smiths Industries, Witney remained renowned for its blanket manufacturing until the last mill's closure in 2002. This illustrated account offers readers a captivating glimpse into the town's history and its enduring legacy in the textile industry.