The History and Life of Ufton:

A Warwickshire Village Through the Ages

Nestled in the gently undulating countryside of Warwickshire, the small village of Ufton is a testament to England’s rich rural heritage. With its ancient church, historic pub, and scenic views across the landscape, Ufton combines centuries of history with contemporary village life. This report explores the evolution of this small but significant settlement, from its medieval origins to its present-day community.

Geographic Setting and Landscape

Ufton is approximately five miles southeast of Royal Leamington Spa and two miles west of Southam on the A425 road. What makes Ufton topographically distinctive is its position on top of an escarpment nearly 400 feet above sea level, formed during the last ice age. This elevated position contributes to its character and historical defensibility.

The parish encompasses 1,793 acres of land, with the village built mainly along a by-road running southwards. Two small streams originate near the centre of the parish, flowing eastwards to the Itchen at Southam and northwards to join a tributary of the Leam. The parish’s northern boundary is partly formed by the Warwick branch of the Grand Union Canal, which is within walking distance of the village. Ufton Wood occupies a considerable area in the northeast corner of the parish, adding to the landscape’s natural beauty.

Perhaps the most significant natural feature in the area is Ufton Fields, a 77-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located to the southeast of the village. This site has a fascinating history – originally agricultural land, it was used for limestone quarrying in the 1950s by Portland Cement (later Blue Circle Cement). After quarrying ceased, the land was transferred to Warwickshire County Council in 1972, became a local nature reserve, and gained SSSI status in 1981. Today, it offers a diversity of habitats including grassland, woodland, ponds, and pools, and is particularly known for its abundance of invertebrates, especially butterflies.

Historical Origins and Development

Etymology and Early References

The origin of the name Ufton remains somewhat uncertain. In the Long Itchington Charter, the area was called “Wulluht Graf”, which translates to “Ufton Wood” in modern English. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, it was recorded as “Ulchtune”. One theory suggests the name derives from a Danish chief named Ulla who lived in the area, though this remains speculative.

Medieval Ufton

The Domesday survey of 1086 provides our earliest detailed record of Ufton, listing it in Stoneleigh Hundred. According to this record, Ufton contained four hides (a unit of land measurement), had land for eight ploughs, and was home to 7 slaves, 12 villagers, and two smallholders with six ploughs. The value was assessed before 1066 at £4, later at 40 shillings, and at the time of the survey at 100 shillings, indicating fluctuations in prosperity around the Norman Conquest.

A 1695 map by Hewitt depicts a series of elongated narrow properties stretching back at right angles from each side of Ufton Fields (which until recently was always known as Harbury Lane), revealing the underlying rectangular shape of the medieval village layout.

The parish church of St. Michael dates back at least to the beginning of the 13th century. The church’s history has some complexities—Bishop Roger de Clinton is said to have constituted the church as a prebend in Lichfield Cathedral, and a prebendary of Ufton appears in records from 1255. By 1319, the church had been divided into two moieties, each considered a prebend.

Later Historical Periods

By the 19th century, Ufton had developed strong connections with Oxford University. The village has historic links to Balliol College, which owned much of the parish land in the 19th century. In the 1860s, all the land except about 90 acres belonged to Balliol College.

During this period, Ufton was described as a “close parish” where the labour supply was barely adequate, supplemented by larger neighbouring villages like Harbury and Southam. Interestingly, the cottages in Ufton were considered better than most in the district, renting for £2 or £3 a year and having gardens and allotments.

Contemporary Ufton

Population and Administration

According to the 2011 census, Ufton had a population of 319 residents. The village is now part of the Stratford-on-Avon District of Warwickshire. The civil parish is smaller than the ecclesiastical parish, which includes the hamlets of Bascote Heath and Stoneythorpe in Long Itchington.

As evidenced by preserved records dating from 1933 to 2012, Ufton has been governed by a parish council since at least 1933.

Village Life and Community

The focal point of community life in Ufton is the Village Hall, which hosts numerous events throughout the year. These include seasonal celebrations like Christmas punch parties and harvest suppers, children’s parties, quizzes, special gatherings, and various exercise classes including tai chi, pilates, and yoga. The hall is managed by a committee that welcomes new members to be involved in its operation.

In recent years, Ufton has experienced both challenges and triumphs. In September 2007, a large fire at the landfill site just outside the village resulted in 100 tons of rubber burning for two days, an incident that made national news. Despite this setback, the village’s community spirit prevailed, and just over a year later in 2008, Ufton won the prestigious “Best Village in Warwickshire” award from the Warwickshire Rural Community Council, as well as the “Best Communications” section in a similar competition sponsored by Calor.

Notable Features and Landmarks

The parish church of St. Michael remains a significant historical landmark in the village. Its roots date back to the 13th century, and its elevated position on the escarpment enhances its setting.

The Warwick branch of the Grand Union Canal passes near the village, adding to the area’s scenic landscape and historical transportation links.

Ufton Fields, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, offers ecological importance and recreational value as a nature reserve, permitting access for visitors and dog walkers.