Wantage

Directory Information

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About Wantage

Town centre, Wantage

Town centre, Wantage

Wantage is a town in the Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire bordering the prime horse racing countryside of the Berkshire Downs. Wantage lies approximately 8 miles from Abingdon.

Wantage tends to be the main touring centre for the area and is home to the Vale and Downland Museum. There is a large market square containing the famous statue of King Alfred who was born in the town. The attractive town centre is surrounded by many shops with 18th century facades. Wantage is twinned with the towns of Seesen in Germany and Mably in France.

History

King Alfred the Great Statue, Wantage

King Alfred the Great Statue, Wantage

  • The naming of Wantage is unsure but there is evidence of a community here in Roman times. It is generally thought that the name comes from the Saxon phrase meaning “decreasing river”.
  • In the 9th century King Alfred the Great was born at the royal palace which was detailed in the Domesday Book and enhanced the value of Wantage to £61.
  • In 1848 the Community of St Mary established a convent here, this community remains one of the largest of Anglican nuns in the world.
  • Weekly markets have been held in the town since 1246 and now still held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Facts

  • Population – 9,767 (2001)
  • Local Authority – Vale of White Horse District Council
  • Major Industries – Horse Training; Mixed Local Economy
  • Post Town – WANTAGE
  • Postcode District – OX12
  • Dialling Code – 01235
  • Police – Thames Valley Police
  • Fire – Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Ambulance – South Central Ambulance Service

Discover Wantage – useful links to town guides, what’s on and places to see

Wantage

Manor Farm, Wantage

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