Discover Garford: bridge, village history and landscape

Garford brings together several specific points of interest for a trip: the architecture of Noah's Ark Bridge, the settlement history of the Roman villa, the small St Luke's Chapel and a rural setting. Depending on the viewpoint, the views extend far south towards The Downs. Together, these aspects give an impression of Garford as a historic destination with a rural character.

Noah's Ark Bridge: design and history

Noah's Ark Bridge dates from the late 18th century. It has three semicircular arches and a similar overflow arch. The structure is made of irregular limestone masonry with a triangular ashlar coping. Ashlar is dressed stone; here it forms the coping above the irregular limestone masonry. The structure can therefore be described in terms of its arch design and contrast in materials.

The bridge may be connected with the conversion of the road to Wantage into a turnpike in 1770. The design and this possible connection to transport offer two different perspectives on the same structure.

Traces from different periods

A much earlier period is represented by the Roman villa at Garford. It was inhabited from the late Iron Age until the fourth century. Its history therefore spans several centuries, long before the bridge was built. The comparison brings two different perspectives together: the villa represents a long period of settlement, while Noah's Ark Bridge is a structure from the late 18th century, possibly linked to the 1770 turnpike.

St Luke's is a small chapel of ease in Garford. A chapel of ease serves a supplementary church function; St Luke's thus adds a religious point of interest to the archaeological villa and the history of the bridge's construction.

Landscape and orientation

Garford lies on the eastern side of the Vale of White Horse District and is surrounded by farmland. Depending on the viewpoint, the far-reaching views extend south towards The Downs. This brings two directions into play: Garford's regional location is to the east, while the views are towards the south. For travellers who take rural surroundings into account when making their decision, the farmland and views are specific features of the place.

A public footpath leads from Phoebe Woodlands into the village of Garford. The 2009 parish plan gives vehicle access from the east via a turn-off from the A338 near the Old School. Check the current road layout before travelling. The footpath and road access therefore represent two different ways of arriving.

Considering Garford as a destination

Consider which of these points of interest will shape your trip, and tailor your hotel search to your specific requirements.

Discover more destinations: Adderbury, Oxford, Kingham, Forest Hill, Clifton Hampden, Minster Lovell, Chadlington, North Leigh.

For the broader travel overview: Oxfordshire.