Oxfordshire

Map of the Oxfordshire Area

Oxfordshire is located in the South East of the UK and is bordered by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire. The county is divided into 5 distinct districts: Cherwell, Vale of White Hore, Oxford, Oxfordshire and South Oxfordshire. The county has a population of 631900 (source: link) with a population density of 242 people per square km. it is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county and covers an area of 2605 km. Most of the population live in the city of Oxford. The highest elevation point in the county is Whitehorse Hill which reaches 261 metres above sea level.

Oxfordshire was originally formed in the 10th century (source: link) north of the River Thames. The name Oxford comes from the Anglo-Saxon Oxenaford which means "ford for oxen" and the region was of importance to the Saxons due to its agriculturally fertile land. Alfred the Great was born in Oxfordshire, in a settlement called Wantage.

The county is famed for its University (the University of Oxford) which is held in high prestige in the academic world. It was founded in 1096 after the creation of a settlement at Oxford. Agriculture as an economic employer has declined in importance in the 20th century and now only 1% of the population are engaged in the industry.

A major modern industry of the region is tourism and Oxfordshire is noted for the concentration of motor sport facilities and companies. Morris Motors was established in the county in 1912 as well as MG in 1929 in the town of Abingdon. There is a high concentration of publishing and print firms in the region which was headed by the Oxford University Press. The university also has ties to a number of local biotechnology firms in the area.

The county is noted for its famous buildings including Blenhiem Palace which is located at Woodstock. The palace was built by John Vanbrugh, a renowned architect for John Churchill (the first Duke of Marlborough). Sir Winston Churchill (former Prime Minister of the UK) was also born in the house and it is therefore a central tourist attraction. The Palace is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.