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Where there is a will...

there’s a way of finding out the secrets of the people who lived in Churchill and Sarsden 1500-1700
The Probate Group talked about their work translating ‘Secretary Hand’ into modern English. No mean feat! They reveal fascinating facts about what possession people had, what they bequeathed in their wills and what life was like in our village for those living up to five hundred years ago.

William Smith: His Life and Legacy

An illustrated talk about Smith’s career, with special reference to recent discoveries of his work on the lower part of the Sars Brook and the Evenlode
by Professors Hugh Torrens and Geoffrey Walton

If Stones Could Speak

An illustrated talk about the multiple uses for our local stone and the stories behind our walls, buildings and graves by Lesley Dunlop, Lecturer at Northumbria University and Vice Chair of Oxfordshire Geology Trust

Warren Hastings and Jane Austen

A talk by Victoria Huxley, author of Jane Austen & Adlestrop: Her Other Family, revealed the network of coincidences and connections between Warren Hastings and the Leigh family of Adlestrop and the Austens of Hampshire which led to a surprising link between the great writer and the great empire builder.

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From Our Guest Book

  • "Congratulations to all on this initiative.  So well-organised and user-friendly."

  • "What a lovely treat to stumble upon. Thank you for preserving a part of our Heritage"

  • "A fascinating visit. William Smith was a wonderful man! "

  • "Beautiful setting, very peaceful & informative"

  • "A fascinating display in a very beautiful setting."

  • "A little gem I didn't know existed."

  • "Great building, well restored. Charming!"

  • "A fine chance discovery"

  • "Lovely spot, so grateful this part of the old church was saved."

  • "Very good new interactive displays, very comprehensive."

  • "Why haven't we been here earlier? We shall certainly return!"

  • "Excellent to have this centre as a focus for Churchill's history - especially in relation to William Smith."

  • "Such a wonderful enterprise. The locality should be proud of it."

  • "Fantastic, absolutely first class. Most interesting and informative."

  • "Beautiful restoration, very nicely done! Unexpected hive of information."