Kencot

Archaeology

A Neolithic stone hand axe was found at Kencot. Petrological analysis in 1940 identified the stone as epidotised tuff from Stake Pass in the Lake District, 230 mi to the north. Stone axes from the same source have been found at Alvescot, Abingdon, Sutton Courtenay and Minster Lovell.

Parish church

The Church of England parish church of Saint George is Norman. Features from this period include the south doorway, whose tympanum contains a relief of Sagittarius shooting a monster, and a former doorway in the north wall. The openings of the chancel windows are 13th century but the windows themselves are modern. The ground stage of the bell tower was built in about 1300 and the present chancel arch was built early in the 14th century. High in the south wall of the nave are two Perpendicular Gothic windows, and the late Perpendicular upper stages of the tower were completed in about 1500. St George's is a Grade II* listed building. The parish is now part of the Benefice of Shill Valley and Broadshire.

Economic and social history

Red Rose Close was built in the 17th century, in 1650 according to its date-stone. Manor Farm house was built in the 17th century and altered in the 18th century. Kencot House is a house of seven bays built early in the 18th century. Much of the village is within a conservation area. As well as the church it has a number of other Grade II listed buildings and other structures (including the telephone kiosk and war memorial).

RAF Broadwell

RAF Broadwell was built in 1943 on land in the parish 1 mi north of the village. The airfield was in service until 1947 and was used by Royal Air Force Transport Command.

References

References

1. "Area: Kencot (Parish): Key Figures for 2011 Census: Key Statistics". [[Office for National Statistics]].
2. "Kencot, St George". Brian Curtis.
3. {{NHLE
4. [http://www.airfields.fotopic.net/c1551542.html Airfiends & Aviation Memorials website]{{Dead link. (February 2020)
5. "RAF Broadwell". Controltowers.co.uk.