URPoint Details
A Neolithic stone hand axe was found at Sutton Courtenay. Petrological analysis in 1940 identified the stone as epidotised tuff from Stake Pass in the Lake District, 250 miles (400 km) to the north.
Excavations have revealed rough Saxon huts of the early stages of Anglo-Saxon colonisation, but their most important enduring monument in Sutton was the massive causeway and weirs that separate the millstream from Sutton Pools.
Written records of Sutton's history began in 688 when King Ine of Wessex endowed the new monastery at Abingdon with the manor of Sutton. In 801, Sutton became a royal vill, with the monastery at Abingdon retaining the church and priest's house. It is believed that this was on the site of the 'Abbey' in Sutton Courtenay.
The Domesday Book of 1086 shows that the manor of 'Sudtone' was owned half by the King and farmed mainly by tenants who owed him tribute. There were three mills, 300 acres (120 ha) of river meadow (probably used for dairy farming) and extensive woodlands where pigs were kept.
Cottages open onto the village green, shaded by lime trees, and half-timbered houses making this village one of the loveliest on the Thames.
Laid to rest in All Saints
- Type:
- Landmark