Tradition and Tragedy
This year commemorates a tragic accident which marred what should have been a carefree, happy event in May 1924. After a gap of thirteen years, it was decided to revive the tradition of beating the bounds of the parish. The last time it had happened was 1911, the year that King George V was crowned. This had traditionally been an event which attracted many townspeople who decorated willow sticks with which to beat points around the boundary. There were competitions to find the best decorated stick with prizes awarded to those judged to be the best. We have one of the carved sticks on display here.
After a hymn sung in the vicarage garden, the party set off. The route included crossing the river Evenlode. Most of the party crossed safely but the last punt was overloaded and capsized. Despite frantic efforts by bystanders to save those in the water, three children were drowned. An inquest was held in the White Hart – you can read a full transcript of the inquiry. Funerals were held for the three children who had drowned, with a huge turnout of townspeople. A photographer was on hand to record both the walk and the subsequent funeral procession and many of the images taken are on display. Two scouts who had helped in the rescue of others from the water were awarded gallantry medals for their efforts. One of their descendants has kindly supplied photographs of the scouts involved. A tragic story and one that is still commemorated a hundred years later.
Permanent displays
Besides our special exhibition, we have displays about many other aspects of the town. Agriculture has always been an important part of the local economy. We have tools and other farming equipment on display, and of course our splendid Oxfordshire wagon, resplendent in its traditional colours of red and yellow. The town was well served by tradespeople, blacksmiths being in great demand as well as carpenters and wheelwrights and we have many examples of their tools. Also on display are goods and artefacts from the wide variety of shops (such as Allens drapery) which later drew in customers from surrounding villages.
West Oxfordshire was a centre of the gloving trade and we explore the history of the gloving factories that sprang up and the many outworkers who were employed around the town, with examples of the glove patterns and machines they used.
A large collection of old photographs of the town portrays people and events, buildings and the social life of the town as well as recording disasters and celebrations. Newspaper cuttings describe events and news from the town, and we can help with queries about local families drawing on the parish records and censuses.
Past Exhibitions & Events
2011 Town Hall, the Town Hall Cinema & Entertainments in Charlbury
2010 Scouts & Guides
2009 Post Office & Postal Services
2008 Allotments & Gardens
2007 Charlbury Utilities
2006 The Town Charter – 750 years ago
2004 Cameras and photography