Pictures of The Kilns

a Historic Building in the town of Risinghurst, in the county of Oxfordshire

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About The Kilns

C S Lewis' former home known today throughout the world as the Kilns was built in 1922. The area surrounding it was in fact a thriving brick industry during the late 19th Century, but known locally as the 'Clay Hills'. There were two brick kilns and a brick drying barn situated just a hundred yards or so away from Lewis' back door or 'tradesmans' entrance. The tradesmans entrance is where the bread, milk and post would be delivered.

The brick kilns and barn on the 8 acre plus site were later demolished, as was a bungalow. A tennis court was removed and the orchard also disappeared in preparation for the eight new houses that can be seen today. The plots of land for the houses were sold off by Mrs Janie King-Moores daughter Maureen (Lady Dunbar of Hempriggs) and Jacks older brother Warnie, who by this time was struggling with alcohol problems. His biggest shock came when he saw a house being built in his own back garden that he had agreed to, obliterating the woodland beyond. The area, including the lake and consisting of some 5/6 acres in total is today owned by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust who refer to it as the C S Lewis Reserve. It was gifted to them in 1969.

The bungalow or probably better described as the wooden 'shack' became the home of Mrs Alice Hamilton Moore, widow of Doctor Robert Moore of Bushmills, Ireland. Alice Hamilton was a friend of the family living in Ireland who had hit upon hard times. The Lewis brothers, having learned of her predicament, and in their usual charitable manner decided to help and had the wooden structure built. Alice Hamilton was invited to live there, as she did, in peace and quiet for the rest of her life. She was therefore resident at the Kilns when she died, as confirmed in the Burial Register of Holy Trinity Church in Headington Quarry. She is buried in the same grave as Mrs Janie King-Moore, the lady who purchased the Kilns in 1930 with the Lewis brothers contributing some £1200.00 in cash. In return Mrs Janie King-Moore, who's name was solely on the Deeds of the property, allowed Jack and Warnie a so called 'Right of Life' tenancy which mean't they could continue living there after her death (1951), for as long as they wished. Hence the two Mrs Moore's were both resident at the Kilns, and buried in the same grave in Holy Trinity Churchyard.

C S Lewis died 22nd November 1963, the same day that J F Kennedy was assasinated and Aldous Huxley died. Warnie died 10 years later in 1973. Both are buried in the Churchyard of Holy Trinity Church in Headington Quarry. The brothers share a grave laying side by side.

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History of The Kilns

Recommended towns & villages near The Kilns

	Oxford (2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction W) Oxford's fame is perhaps second only to Windsor, it is an acclaimed seat of learning with a University whose first college was founded in 1249, almost half a century after the first charter granted to the town by Henry II... Information | Pictures (654) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
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Recommended attractions near The Kilns

	Shotover Country Park (0.8 miles, 1.3 km) .. Information | Pictures (52) | Hotels
	Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Museum (1.0 miles, 1.7 km) The militaria of the county regiment of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire now incorporated in the Royal Green Jackets. Includes a..... Information | Hotels
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	C S Lewis Tours (2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction W) This wonderful tour takes place in Oxfordshire, England, and visits places of interest including Lewis's former home 'The Kilns'..... Information | Pictures (33) | Hotels
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Hotels near The Kilns

Hotels near The Kilns  Cottages near The Kilns  Bed & Breakfast near The Kilns

	Conifers Guest House Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (0.7 miles, 1.2 km) This guest house is situated in Oxford, a 15-minute drive from the city’s rail station. It offers free Wi-Fi, free on-site parking, and a garden for guests to relax in.... More info and book online..  Price from £55.00
	All Seasons Guest House Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (0.8 miles, 1.3 km) This Victorian guest house with free parking and free Wi-Fi is in the Headington area, less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from Oxford Brookes University. The comfortable bedrooms at All Seasons Guest House c... More info and book online..  Price from £62.00
	The Dial House Guest House Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1.1 miles, 1.7 km) Situated just off the A40, this picturesque Tudor house offers 4-star accommodation just a 10-minute drive from Oxford city centre. Oxford Brookes University is a short walk away.... More info and book online..  Price from £99.00
	Red Mullions Guest House Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1.1 miles, 1.8 km, direction W) Red Mullions is a welcoming family-run guest house in Headington, Oxford, excellently located for the many hospitals in Headington and the Oxford Brookes University, 10-minutes from central Oxford.... More info and book online..  Price from £95.00
	Premier Inn Oxford Oxford, Oxfordshire, England (1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction S) Situated on the Oxford Business Park, Premier Inn Oxford is just 3 miles from Oxford city centre. The modern hotel has a traditional restaurant, free on-site parking and a 24-hour front desk.... More info and book online..  Price from £71.00