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Picture source: Russell Judge

The Plough was situated on the B4027. This grade-II listed pub is now in residential use.

I Played darts for this pub in the early 1980s. Slightly strange layout, from the bar the board and most of the oche were hidden, so darts would appear from the right and then disappear to the left. The marker trapped in an alcove with the board would be constantly sticking his head around the corner to let people know what was happening. Great fun! The pub was also featured in a local poem. I went to Noke, But nobody spoke, I went to Thame, It was just the same, Burford and Brill, Were silent and still, But I went to Beckley, And they spoke directly. The reason for the poem. The “rich” landowners enclosing Otmoor which had been treated as common land by the locals: - “Everything came to a head September 6, 1830, when about 1,000 people walked the seven-mile circumference of Otmoor in broad daylight, destroying every fence in their way. Handbills were published by The King of Otmoor, Given at Our Court of Otmoor. The Riot Act was read to them, and the Oxfordshire Yeomanry was summoned. But they refused to disperse and 66 rioters were arrested, 41 of whom were loaded aboard wagons to be taken to Oxford gaol, escorted by 21 yeomen. The men were not restrained, so, when a large mob from the St. Giles Fair in Oxford attacked the escort with stones and bricks, the prisoners escaped.” Three years later, in order to bring the men to trial a reward was offered. I think the poem tells you the attitude of the customers of the Plough. Perhaps also the rivalry with the Abingdon Arms at Beckley.

David Gormley (June 2026)

Listed building details:

Public house. Early C18 and C19. Limestone rubble with wooden lintels; Stonesfield-slate roof with rebuilt brick gable stack. 2-unit plan, extended to 3 units plus service range. 2 storeys. 2-window front of earliest section has a central plank door below an old stone-slated canopy, a 3-light casement to left, a 2-light casement to right, and further 2-light casements at first floor, all renewed. Added bay to right has similar windows. Stack to left of roof. Welsh-slated single-storey range to right. Interior: chamfered beams; open fireplace.

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