Community Connections
Radley has a rich history; the site of the village has been occupied in some form since Neolithic times. Radley College only became a fixture relatively recently when it opened its doors in 1847.
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People have occupied the area adjacent to the Thames between Abingdon and Oxford since before 3000BC.
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The church was founded in 1300 and the timber-framed vicarage dates from the 13th or 14th century. Today, the village of Radley covers about 3,000 acres.
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Sir John Stonhouse (1672-1733) built Radley Hall in the 1720s as a grand home for his family. The Stonhouse’s were succeeded as lord of manor by their relatives, the Bowyers, in 1795. The Bowyers later leased Radley Hall and its grounds to Radley College; the College was able to buy the property in 1889.
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Radley has a Primary School, a Village Hall and attached playing fields at Gooseacre, and an unmanned railway station which was opened in 1873.
Further information on the history of Radley can be found online through the Radley History Society.
The Radley History Club Radley Heritage Walk
Radley is currently home to over 3000 people, including the 780 boys who live at Radley College. Many of those who work at the College live in the village. There are a range of institutions that operate in Radley, many of which are run by volunteers: • • • • • • • •
Radley Retirement Group Radley Youth Football Club Radley History Club Radley Good Neighbours Women’s Institute Cubs, Brownies, Guides and Scouts Groups Radley Village Shop Radley Allotment Association
Radley Parish Council (RPC) was formed under the Government Act 1894 and first met in December 1984. The RPC oversees matters relating to the village such a roads, buildings, and other community matters. Each year there is a Summer Fete, a Flower Show, a Christmas Bizarre and a Garden Competition. Further information on the village can be found online at the Radley Village website.
Radley Village
Historically boys and staff have played an active part in the life of the village. Through our Community Partnership Programme boys have been involved in a range of activities including: • • • • • •
Reading, art, maths, sport support in the Primary School Working in the church gardens and inside the church Community gardening projects Farm projects at Peachcroft Farm Clearing and maintenance of village pond Music concerts to the Women’s Institute
Radley College staff volunteer in a number of different ways: • • • • • •
Primary School governors Members of the Parish Council Organisers of village events Radley Lakes committee members Members of Radley Primary School parent group Members of SERV – Supporting Everyone in Radley
Our partnership with the village extends beyond our volunteering to support particular organisations and activities. We constantly interact with our community as we walk or cycle to the boathouse, when we catch a train home from the railway station, or on the occasions when we visit the village shop. Do not underestimate the impact you can have in making this a special place to live.
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Be aware of the people who make the village such a special place to live and work Look to volunteer when the opportunity arises Be courteous, thoughtful, polite and interested in what is happening
You are part of the Radley community.
What can you do to support the place where we all live?