This  map of Woodstock is hand-drawn and shows many of the town’s most notable buildings – including Blenheim Palace – its history,  nature and many historical figures associated with the town. A must for visitors and residents of this glorious and world famous Oxfordshire town.

About the map of Woodstock

Woodstock’s history is very long and much of it is recorded history, thanks to royal connections. Trying to fit everything in was hard work, but a lot of fun.

Of course I have put the obvious things in: Winston Churchill and Blenheim Palace, but also Henry I who first built the massive wall around the park to keep his animals in 900 years ago. I have even included a porcupine. which he apparently kept in his menagerie. Centuries later the royal menagerie moved to Regent’s Park in London and formed the foundation of London Zoo. This is just one little known fact about Woodstock. There are so many! For example, Woodstock once had a thriving glove-making industry which was first recorded in the 1200s. The last pair of gloves was made commercially only 20 years ago. And then there’s Queen Elizabeth I, who was imprisoned in Woodstock for a year in 1554 by her sister Mary.

So much information to gather, process and fit into the map!

There are so many architecturally, historically and aesthetically interesting buildings to consider and fit in, both civic and domestic. I was delighted to be able to shoehorn a dinosaur in, on display at the delightful museum in the centre of town.

It’s a great gift for anyone who loves Woodstock.