Cogges Manor Farm has seen its fair share of kings and queens over 1000 years of history. The earliest known owner of Cogges, Wadard, dates back to the Saxon period and was recorded as Lord of the Manor of Cogges in the Domesday Book of 1086. The manor house originally stood right by the River Windrush: 'Cogges Castle' was defended by a moat and islands, where the timber play fort and zip wire stands today. Cogges manor was once held by kings of England including Henry VII and Henry VIII – who gave the land to Thomas Pope, the founder of Trinity College Oxford, nearly 500 years ago! Cogges is now a popular heritage farm attraction and much loved community hub. In fact, Cogges volunteers were granted the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2022, and received a crystal award earlier this year. So, the team are delighted to congratulate King Charles III on his Coronation, and welcomed visitors in celebration. If you visited Cogges over the (somewhat traditionally soggy) bank holiday weekend, please share your photos, videos or stories with us!
Facebook, Twitter or Instagram #CoggesCoronation or email to marketing@cogges.org.uk.
Curious about Cogges
Our volunteers run the 'Curious about Cogges' project, and have been researching the heritage site, alongside community reminiscence projects such as the Cogges Tapestry. Cogges' history runs hand-in-hand with that of Witney and West Oxfordshire. As it has done over many centuries, it continues to play a vital role in supporting the local community and economy. Wealthy wool merchant William Blake owned Cogges in the 17th century and became High Sheriff of Oxfordshire. He was linked to the Witney wool trade and funded the Buttercross in Witney and our close neighbour, Blake School. With 1000 years of stories to discover, look out for news and events this summer and come and see for yourself!
Thanks to volunteer Cereta Drewett for the beautiful photography
The Cogges Kitchen café offered specials fit for a king, including Coronation chicken baguette, shortbread and gingerbread Crown Cookies, Victoria sponge – and, of course, a royally delicious quiche!
One of our volunteers created lovely hand-made button-hole flowers
Volunteers created a regal atmosphere in the sitting room, where perhaps the resident Mawle Family watched the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, broadcast live in June 1953?
With the Manor House kitchen looking so festive, it's the perfect place to bake a Coronation Cake!
We're sure the gorgeous wisteria has been at Cogges longer than some of us!
The rain seems to make Cogges even more beautiful, when walking though the orchard to 'Cogges Castle'
Two princes? There's always time for a game!
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Boiled egg?
