The great weather has finally changed somewhat. We had a thundershower mid day Monday, then rain again in the evening. Tuesday started in the rain so we got underway in jackets, etc. but that quickly broke up leaving another beautiful day, with scattered clouds giving a break from the warm sun. We arrived in Banbury, and scouted the town out. There is a very large shopping complex right beside the canal, and around a lock. Lots of spectators to make sure you do things right! We avoided the mall, and did a run to the grocery store to re-provision. The evening was incredible: the town was absolutely quiet, and deserted. The streets were spotless and empty. We searched for, and found, an amazing pub, where reportedly Oliver Cromwell plotted against the royalists in Oxford. This pub had the most amazing woodwork inside, and a most congenial host, who, with no one else there, was very chatty. After an hour or so, as we ate a great dinner, there were a significant number of other patrons that arrived, but that hour was delightful.
The Reine Deer Pub, Banbury, where Oliver Cromwell 
met and plotted.
Intricate carved oak fireplace, pub decor?
Banbury architecture
Tuesday we departed Banbury, after getting fresh baking for breakfast. (No Banbury Cakes, though- they wouldn’t be ready until mid-afternoon). We toured along to the top of the summit of the Oxford Canal, through a series of locks, but they weren’t too bad, nor numerous.
Cropredy on the Oxford Canal
We are staying the night alongside a pub at Fenny Compton. The names of places are quite intriguing. We expect to go down the otherside of the ‘hill’ into Napton Junction with the Grand Union Canal tomorrow, and check out possible marinas to form a ‘home base’ for the car and further exploration. Getting a mailing address is also an important part of British life, so that is a priority.
Sheila Gibbs says: August 9, 2013 at 1:38 am (Edit) So great to be in the very same room that Cromwell plotted. It makes history seem alive!
Heather says: August 2, 2013 at 5:21 am (Edit) I envy you the historical discoveries like the Reine Deer Pub – what a gem! Anything this side of the pond is built in “imitation of”. They just “are”. Thanks for sharing!
Chris says: July 31, 2013 at 12:54 pm (Edit) Ed, looks like a fantastic adventure thus far. I look forward to you updates along the way. Enjoy!
sue blake says: July 31, 2013 at 9:09 am (Edit) Braunston is a good place with some historic boats in the marina, and a lot of happy people to mingle with! Also, it is almost at the centre of the canal network, being at a junction where you can travel in all directions north, south, east and west. Enjoy!
