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Eynsham Heritage News

A Man for all Seasons 1 Jul 2022 Formal unveiling of a Blue Plaque for Aelfric of Eynsham was a surprisingly jolly occasion

A host of dignitaries descended on the market square this morning, to honour our earliest named resident: Aelfric the writer, scholar and teacher, first abbot of Eynsham c1005-1010.

Children from Eynsham Primary School attended too, in an imaginative range of mediaeval dress. (Older brothers and sisters may remember an earlier event to launch the Eynsham Abbey Archaeological Trail.)

Prof Robert Evans, Chair of Oxfordshire Blue Plaques Board, explained that Aelfric is the earliest on their list by several centuries; and the Bartholomew Room was chosen as best public building near the abbey site.

The unveiling took place after interesting addresses by Prof John Blair of Queen’s College Oxford and Dr Eleanor Parker of Brasenose, which confirmed Aelfric’s exceptional importance - and humanity.

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