Visit to Aston Martin Heritage Trust
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Date15th August 2007
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PlaceAston Martin Heritage Trust, Drayton St Leonard, Wallingford, OX10 7BG
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Web
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The Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) and Aston Martin Heritage Trust (AMHT) will be opening their doors
at Drayton St Leonard from 14:00 to 17:00.The Talk
The Trust is regularly open on Wednesday afternoons, but for our visit we have arranged a talk by
Robert Ellis, the Secretary of the AMHT. Robert has been involved with classic cars and motor sport
for some 35 years. As well as his day job he owns a 1929 Frazer Nash, is a former Competitions
Secretary of the VSCC, and was the winning navigator in the Classic Marathon 2000.
Robert will give us a brief overview of the history of Aston Martin, and will be pleased to answer questions.
Robert will give us a brief overview of the history of Aston Martin, and will be pleased to answer questions.
The Trust
The AMOC headquarters and the AMHT are in a Grade 2* listed medieval timber framed barn that was
restored by the club in the late 1990s. The AMHT has what amounts to the entire history of Aston
Martin from its earliest days. Aside from the architectural interest, therefore, there are some AM
cars and a significant collection drawings, engineering designs and other artefacts to be seen,
including some of the magnificent trophies won by the marque over its lengthy history.
The Barn
The great tithe barn at Drayton St Leonard was built by the monks of Dorchester Abbey to hold tithes
paid in kind, for the support of church and clergy. Like the greater part of the Abbey itself, it
dates from the fifteenth century and may have been built as early as 1340.It is a particularly rare and fine example of a large mediaeval timber-framed structure and is perhaps the most historic and best preserved building of its kind. It is listed Grade 2*. The massive elm frame is in astonishingly good condition and many of the roof tiles on its steep and substantial roof were re-used in the restoration.
The great advantage to the Club and Trust is that the huge beams provide an open space with various bays but no internal divisions. The walls are clad with tarred elm boards and use modern insulation techniques.
Location Information
Aston Martin Heritage Trust
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AddressAston Martin Heritage Trust
Drayton St Leonard
Wallingford -
PostcodeOX10 7BG
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OS 1:50 000 Map164
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National Grid RefSU 596 962
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Telephone01865 400414
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Web
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Miles from Oxford5
Travel from Oxford to Stadhampton, either via the B480 from Cowley; or from Headington via the A40 past Wheatley,
the A418 over the M40 past Oxford Services, the A40 to Milton Common, and then the A329 through Little Milton.
Leave Stadhampton past the petrol station on the A329 for Wallingford.
After 650 metres turn Right to Drayton St Leonard.
Enter the village, pass the pub, church, and sharp Left hand bend, and bear Right at the war memorial.
Take the last lane on the Left before the speed derestriction signs, marked to Drayton House Farm, and Waterside House.
The barn is 100 yards down the lane on the Left hand side.
