IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Market Square, WITNEY, OX28 6BJ

Stagecoach Oxfordshire bus no. 15618 was on the Stagecoach Gold S1 service to Oxford. It was waiting at the bus stop outside Barclays Bank. The bus, registration OU10BGX, is an ADL Enviro 400 bodied Scania N230UD, dating from March 2010.

The former coaching inn overlooks the Market Square (see also Image).

A Grade II listed building which has certainly been a hotel, originally a coaching inn, since at least about 1789. There are parts dating to the 17th century and also a partition beam which has been dated to the 16th century. The building clearly is quite old but with many changes and additions over the centuries. This photograph was taken in June 2011. A few months later it was refurbished and re-opened as the Blue Boar, which was its original name. See:- Image Image

Some months after this photograph was taken, the hotel reverted to its original name of the Blue Boar. This sign was then replaced. Image

Formerly the Marlborough Hotel, the business was bought by Oakman Inns & Restaurants who refurbished it and re-opened it in the Autumn of 2011. They also changed the name to the Blue Boar which was its original name a long time ago. The owners refer to the Blue Boar as a pub rather than a hotel but they do provide accommodation and the bar and food are available to non-residents. The building is Grade II listed and has certainly been a hotel, originally a coaching inn, since at least 1789. There are parts dating to the 17th century and also a partition beam which has been dated to the 16th century. The building clearly is quite old but with many changes and additions over the centuries. Image Image In June 2011:- Image

The sign shows a boar enjoying a meal and a bottle of wine. According to deeds held by the local museum, this old coaching inn was called the Blue Boar up until 1803, at least. By 1819 it had become the Marlborough Arms Hotel. Later and until recently it was just the Marlborough Hotel. In late 2011 the name was changed back to the Blue Boar. There is much interesting information about the building and its names on the Blue Boar's website. Image Image

Local branch of Barclays Bank. The bank also occupies the adjoining building on the right (not seen in this photograph).

This board on the front of the building reads, "The Blue Boar Witney. Once upon a time we opened our doors to Bosworth, a local legend of a boar. With an epicurean appetite and a penchant for the finer things in life. Everything here must meet his exacting standards - our mediterranean inspired menu, classic cocktails, real ales, guest ales, wine list, guest bedrooms and private hire spaces all pass muster. That's why he's never left." Image Image