Cropredy

Cropredy’s scenic location and quaint village shops would have ensured its popularity with passing boaters even without a prior claim to fame. The Red Lion pub (one of two local favourites) was regularly frequented by L. T. C. Rolt, one of the pioneers of inland waterways leisure cruising, and co-founder of the Inland Waterways Association in 1939. Stop off for a pint – or try the nearby Brasenose Arms for lunch or dinner. Rustic retail therapy is on offer with antiques and crafts available on the site of the old smithy and wheelwright’s. More active visitors can try their hand at canoeing or fishing with the local clubs.

Services for boaters include a sanitary station with water point, and refuse disposal facilities, below the lock on the old coal wharf, and there’s a village store on the banks of the canal.

The royal history of Cropredy
Cropredy is famous for events which took place on 29 June in 1644. It was during the Civil War when Royalist Cavaliers, under Charles I, travelled north from Oxford. Cromwell’s parliamentary troops, lead by General Waller, intercepted the Royalists by the river and a battle took place. Charles won the day and was able to cross Cropredy Bridge. It was this defeat which prompted the formation of the Roundhead's New Model Army.

Look out for the brown stone, 600-year-old, church near the bridge, close to the lock. Some of the soldiers killed in the battle are buried in the churchyard. And facing the church is a row of thatched stone cottages, which are nearly as old as the church.