Sibford Place Names
Although only three entries were received for the competition, their quality more than compensated for their small quantity.
The judges had no hesitation in awarding the winner’s prize to Mrs Alice Green. What a wonderful effort on the part of this 98-year-old Sibfordian to give us the benefit of her clear memory and wide knowledge of our village. We must all appreciate the time and concentration Mrs Green gave to her ten-page entry.
The two other entries were supported by excellent sketch-maps and deserve high commendation.
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The Answers – a consensus
ACRE DITCH Near the Church from Wheathills Gate to the bottom of the school hill on the right-hand side of the road. It was a ditch about one foot deep. When the houses were built the ditch was drained and filled in.
ALCOCKS LANE Two suggestions: a) from Burdrop Corner to Tyne Hill, b) another name for Bond’s End Lane. Jo Alcock, a Methodist Preacher and postman lived there.
BEGGARS DITCH The lane connecting Epwell White House with the B.4035
BLENHEIM A farm 0ff the Shutford Road
CAT AND FIDDLE Site of Greens Shop (Sibford Stores) Sibford Ferris
CONSTITUTION HILL The entrance to Banbury Town from Sibford.
FEATHER BED LANE Workhouse End Sibford Gower. At the bottom end of the Gower where there was an institution for old people.
FERRIS ALLOTMENTS By Little London: the field immediately behind the last two cottages on the Banbury Road.
GALLOWS HILL A farm on the Brailes Road (Were sheep stealers or traitors hanged there ?)
THE GLEBE The land (and house ?) beyond the Old Rectory and pond in Sibford Gower.
MANNINGS HILL The steep hill separating Sibford Ferris from Burdrop and Sibford Gower. It was once called Little Sibford Hill, but took its new name from the Mannings family whose house there was set on fire by lightening. Tom Manning, the old postman would sit at the well half way up to rest.
PIG AND WHISTLE A public house on the main road near Tyne Hill where men used to gather to play a game called Kick Shins.
PITCH HILL Two opinions – either the steep hill on the main road from Tyne Hill towards Swalcliffe, or the small hill between Sibford Elm and the main road. Some say that the former used to be called Church Hill.
RYE HILL The farm on the ridge, reached by the road behind the pond.
THE SLINKET The site of the new Rectory, Sibford Gower.
BONDS END LANE The lane to the left, just before the pond. Was it named after the Bond family?
This list has been necessarily much condensed. Do look out for the display of maps and explanations at the Show and Fete. We shall print Mrs Green’s account of the Ferris Allotments in a later issue.
Thanks to all who took part and to the competition’s sponsor.
J.A.