To commemorate the 175th anniversary of Osney Town in 2026, the OIRA committee organised historical tours of the island led by Sarah Parker. These were accompanied by an exhibition (hosted by the Democrats Club) of objects found in residents’ homes or gardens, and other relevant history. This was part of Oxford Open Doors.
Walking tour of the island 
Display in the Democrats Club 
Victorian and Edwardian bottles found during renovation of Alan’s North Street house 
Neolithic flints found in Simon’s garden, Bridge Strret 
Salt-glazed ink pot and pipe bowls found in Elizabeth’s garden, North Street 
A knife in a home-made leatherette scabbard, with a lanyard and float attached, found hidden in a West Street house 
Letters from 1898 found under the floorboards in Bridge Street by Joanna 
Milk bottles found in the Osney stream by Quentin 
Weights, possibly used on mosquito nets 
Early copy of News of the World found in a West Street house 
Family photographs from Pauline, Bridge Street, whose grandparents rented 21 Bridge from 1916 
Radiohead’s first album. The band performed in The Holly Bush in 1991, when they were called ‘On a Friday’ 
Salt-glazed pot found by Anna, South Street 
Painting by Simon Pressey that used to hang in Waterman’s Arms, now The Punter 
Stone weights found on the banks of the Thames. Could be medieval fishing weights 
Tea towel commemorating 150th anniversary of Osney Town 
Typewriter found by Simon during a house clear-out in Bridge Street 
Glass and a clay pipe found during renovations to Veronica’s (first) house in Bridge Street 
Commemorative items from Osney Olympics 2012
