The Witney Blanket Hall

22/04/2026

An interesting point raised by Nigel Timms about 'H Long' (the ironmongers), being originally at The Witney Blanket Hall. Here is an early coloured close-up of the Henry Taunt photograph (c. 1896) of the Blanket Hall showing the 'H Long' signs, and also a graphic describing what H Long did, and a loo cistern with 'H Long' cast into it, still in the Blanket Hall but not used.
You are very welcome to come and freely explore this fascinating building, from 10am to 5pm any Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Lots to see, and of course there is a shop and coffeeshop for splendid cakes and pies.

21/04/2026

One of the really interesting thing about old photographs is that at first glance nothing seems to have changed... But if you look again, you start to see differences.
Here is a Henry Taunt photograph of the Blanket Hall and adjacent buildings taken in the late 19th century... Look and look again, and start to see differences.
Better still, come down to the Hall (100 High Street, OX286HL) 10am to 5pm any Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and explore the whole magnificent building for yourself... And you can get coffee, and cakes, and lovely pies. See you soon...

13/03/2026

In 1969, Earlys celebrated 300 years of blanket making by spinning, weaving, dyeing and finishing 50 special anniversary blankets in a single day. We have two at the Blanket Hall... Can we trace the other 48? Any ideas?
You can explore the Hall freely between 10am and 5pm every Wednesdsy to Saturday. Do come: lots to see, and our shop, and pie and coffeeshop are open too.

19/02/2026

On 12th August 1720, the 42 members of the Company of Witney Blanket Weavers resolved to buy John Butler's house, knock it down and build a Blanket Hall. This the company did and held its first meeting in the new Hall less than 16 months later.
If it happened today, after 16 months we would still be negotiating the planning permission!
Oh, and of course 300 years later you can still visit Witney Blanket Hall freely at 100 High Street Witney OX28 6HL from 10am to 5pm every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Trish and me, and all at the Blanket Hall. We re-open on Wednesday 7th January

We were walking back from The Five Alls, and passed St Peter's Church...

27/11/2025

In this Age of Change, it's good to keep in touch with how things used to be.
So do please take this last chance to join in with Heather Pike's wonderful evocation of Miss Read's Christmas at 2pm on 4th December... And of course a slap-up tea as well!
See all the details on the poster.

19/11/2025

Don't forget... Heather Pike is returning for another 'Miss Read' afternoon of delightful story and equally delightful tea.
See the poster for details... And book your tickets now for a 'lovely do' on 4th December.

19/11/2025

Up on the roof to discuss the work that needs doing on the bellcote, to clear the gutters (again!) and, of course, to admire the view up the High and across the roofs to the Early factory chimney.
Remember, the Blanket Hall is freely open 10am to 5pm every Monday to Saturday.

29/10/2025

Splendid news! Heather Pike is returning to The Witney Blanket Hall for another 'Miss Read' afternoon of delightful story and equally delightful tea.
See the poster for full details... And book your tickets now for a 'lovely do' on 4th December.

28/08/2025

... And please don't forget 'Nostalgia at The Hall' on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th August. Come and discuss with Mike Collier his collection of old postcards of our town, and on Saturday afternoon listen to the famous 'Blanket Town Ukes'.
All free, and all worth the trip... But you can also explore the Hall, enjoy lunch or coffee and cakes... And, if the mood takes you, buy a woollen throw!
But most... Have an enjoyable time at The Blanket Hall