Boxford (Berkshire)

Astride the River Lambourn, between Newbury and Lambourn, Boxford is a place of attractive and mostly timbered thatched cottages. Oliver's Cottage is a reminder of Oliver Sansom, a local Quaker who made a name for himself by refusing to pay his tithes and was at odds with the vicar. His letters describing his persecution were published by his friends in 1711.

The cottages group well beside the river and here too are the rambling buildings of the Old Mill which is said to be constructed around a tree. The church, also beside the river, illustrates both Saxon and Norman work whilst the tower dates from the 17th century and replaces one that collapsed - into Oliver Sansom's garden, no doubt adding to that gentleman's abundant troubles. At the other end of the village is an old and fascinating railway running along the valley.