Hill End & The Wytham Estate: Histories and Communities Event 

On 24 June 2025, we hosted an evening all about the rich history of Hill End, Wytham and the surrounding area. We were delighted to welcome some wonderful speakers to take us from ancient history through to the present day and into the future. Huge thanks go to them and everyone who attended.

James Barnes (Metrology UK Ltd) and Dr Jane Harrison (OUDCE) presented the findings of the recent geophysical survey that revealed the archaeology beneath our beautiful site – including some interesting features ripe for further research, potentially roundhouses and features as straight as the Romans would have built … perhaps? The survey work in itself was also fascinating, and James and his colleague Jane thrilled our visiting children, letting some help with the magnetometer, and showing others their finds. We look forward to their future investigations.

Professors Elizabeth Gemmill (University Of Oxford) then took us via the Medieval period, to Robert Evans (Regius Professor of History Emeritus, University of Oxford) and Mervyn Hughes who brought us through the last centuries and up until the founding of Hill End in the 1920s by the ffennell family. It was also excellent to hear about the Histories and Communities project, a grassroots-led initiative currently underway by the Oxford Community History Hub – and their generous dose of humour throughout was a real treat.

Lucy Crittenden (Hill End Centre Director) spoke about how important the history of this pioneering school is for our charity, as we stay true to these values of offering outdoor experiences to those who need it the most. Our new project ‘Hill End Reimagined‘ aims to save our most iconic wooden dormitory, still in use to this day, but at risk of being lost without vital renovations. It was wonderful to have the support and encouragement of those who attended – watch this space for future updates!