The Woodstock, Oxon reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Woodstock, Oxon

Woodstock is a town in Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. It is located about 12 kilometres north of Oxford.

The town is well known for its Blenheim Palace and the grave of Winston Churchill in nearby Bladon.

Woodstock takes its name from the times before the Norman Conquest. At that time, English kings would log in the area of Woodstock which stands for a clearing in the woods.

It is said that King Alfred stayed at Woodstock in the year 890. The market of the town was established when Henry II gave Woodstock a charter in 1279.

The St. Mary Magdalene church has a doorway of Norman origin. It features a musical clock which chimes every hour. The town hall of Woodstock was built in the 18th century, and there are a number of 17th century buildings in the centre. Chaucer's House was once home to the poet Chaucer.

In the past the town prospered on manufacturing gloves. Today it is largely dependent on tourists, many of whom visit Bleinheim Palace. The palace was designed by John Vanbrugh. It was designated to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough. Most of the palace was paid for by the nation. Churchill was given this palace in honour for his victories over the French and the Bavarians at Blenheim in 1704. Winston Churchill was born at the palace in 1874. His grave is located in nearby Bladon and attracts tourists.

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