Islip is a small picturesque village situated on the western edge of the fens of Otmoor, on the River Ray and River Cherwell.

Islip

The village of Islip dates back to at least Saxon times, and is recorded in the Domesday book. It's greatest claim to fame is as the birthplace of St. Edward the Confessor - born in the year 1005, who was Saxon King of England from 1042 to 1066.

It's not certain where he was born in the village, but there was a chapel erected on the supposed spot which was near to St. Nicholas church (but the Channel 4 TV archaeology series 'Time Team' could find no trace in 2005). Edward later founded both Westminster Abbey and The Palace of Westminster.

In 2005, an historical trail - The Confessor's Way - was established around the village. Islip remains a vibrant small community with two pubs - The Red Lion and The Swan, and a community shop run by volunteers from the village. Situated on the River Ray, near where it joins the River Cherwell, it's the ideal setting for many a beautiful walk in the surrounding countryside.

Around five miles outside the village is the RSPB Otmoor Nature Reserve Otmoor (Grid reference SP570126; Telephone +44(1865) 351163), a magical nature reserve of wet meadows and reedbeds. It is a haven in winter for thousands of ducks, such as teals and wigeons, and in spring and summer for breeding wading birds, such as lapwings and redshanks. The reedbed hosts a spectacular starling roost during the winter months.