Category: Research

Langston House in Milton-under-Wychwood was a small, community-valued care home that operated from the late 1970s until its closure in 2005. It served as a vital residential facility for elderly residents.

Here is  a brief historical overview of Langston House:

Langston House: Origins and Operation

Opened in 1977, Langston House was established as a residential care home in Milton under Wychwood.

It was one of the few care homes serving the rural villages in central Oxfordshire, offering accommodation and support for elderly residents.

In many ways, Langston House was a groundbreaking care home. It redefined elderly support in the region. Managed by what was possibly the county’s youngest supervisory team – Sandra Garrett, Heather Smith, and Marion Jesty -the home stood out not only for its leadership but also for its innovative design and community integration.

The design of Langston House linked it directly with council-owned senior flats, creating a hybrid model of independent and supported living. Residents could choose to cook for themselves or dine communally, while benefiting from services like meals on wheels, laundry, and day care.

Designed by county architects Trevor Hendy and Brian Hook, the single-storey building housed 14-16 residents in two family-style groups. Its wheelchair-accessible layout, landscaped courtyard, and shared spaces fostered a homely atmosphere and encouraged independence.

The opening of Langston House marked a shift toward dignity, autonomy, and community involvement in elderly care

The home was highly regarded by the local community, known for its personal care and close-knit environment.

Life at Langston House

Here we show some images of life at the home.

Langston House Care Home: A Retrospective » Langston House

Anna Clews - staff member 1990s

Molly and Edna Seach - residents at Langston House

Snapshot of Mrs Irene Collier. Date possibly 1990s

Snapshot of Mrs Gwen Harrison, resident

Mr Eddie Townsend at the home during Christmas. Eddie Townsend was a WW2 aircraft navigator.

Snapshot of Langston resident Ethel Bradshaw enjoying a meal on a trip to Bournemouth in 2004

Miss Seach at a window at the home in Milton . Date not known

Mr Bertie Fields, handyman at Langston House. Pictured late 1980s.

Langston House staff members 1990s - Helen Esson / Andrea Davis /Annie Hawtin/Mary Collins

Small group from a Langston House excursion in 1998 to Essex (exact location not known)

Shirley WIllis with her mother Mrs Adderley - interior of Langston House

Group from Langston House at breakfast during an outing to an Essex location (not specified) c.1998

Snapshot of Mrs Nan Greenaway at the home in Langston House, Milton.

Mrs Mary Wilson, resident, at Christmas. Date not known

Jeannie Brooker at home in Langston House, late 1990s

Resident Tom Barrett at breakfast - Langston House Milton under Wychwood

Snapshot of Annie Hawtin, staff member - Langston House Milton under Wychwood

Snapshot of Joyce Griffen (Griffin?) at work in the kitchens at Langston House Milton

Snapshot of Mrs Nan Greenaway at the home in Langston House, Milton.

Snapshot of Molly Seach at the Langston House care home

Ms Shayler and Ms Eden busy with craft work at home in Langston House

Lillian James at a window in Langston House

Snapshot of Mrs May Aken (?), at home in Langston House

Langston Leggies Football Team : Angie, Dot,Debbie,Pauline,Marian,Pat,Michelle: Front Row: Cherie, Iris, Anne,Denise,Mikki and Julie. Surnames anyone?

Annie Bishop District Nurse (1977-1980)

Easter Sunday 1980: Facing the camera left to right: Mrs Bradley, Mrs Rosie Parsons,Miss Maude Peacock,Miss Nellie Lydiatt,Mrs James,Mrs Stroud. Back to camera: Mr Harold Timms,Mr Arthur Slatter

Initial 1977 Staff Members from a Newspaper Scan (unidentified title/edition). Mrs Sandra Garrett, who moved to Oxfordshire from Wiltshire - head of the home; Mrs Heather Smith - aged 23, deputy and Mrs Marion Jesty -aged 22

Langston House staff choir at Christmas 1979

Langston House Christmas 1979

Group at table May 8th 1995. Molly Seach and Pat Williams in the group

Langston House resident Rose Burson on her 100th birthday

Decorations around Rose Burson's 100th Birthday Telegram from Queen Elizabeth II

Charlie (Resident) And Kath (Staff) - Surnames anyone?

Gwen Harrison (Wheelchair) and Helen Cross on holiday at Hoburn Naish Holiday Park near Mudeford 2003

Helen Cross, resident

Mrs Rainbow on Holiday at Hoburn Naish Holiday Park near Mudeford

Langston House - Outing to Bournemouth 2004. Bill Liddle, Gwen Harrison (Residents and Denise Palmer (Staff) July 2004. All 3 were to moved to Madeley Park when Langston House closed down

Staff bid farewell to the last residents leaving Langston House Care Home Milton under Wychwood March 2005

A group of staff members bid farewell to residents leaving the home at closure March 2005. One of two photos of the scene.

Closure and Community Response

In 2004, Oxfordshire County Council proposed closing Langston House as part of a broader review of care home services in the region. Langston House had 16 residents at the time.

Oxfordshire County Council cited financial sustainability and the need to modernise care services as reasons for the closure. The council’s review aimed to consolidate services and shift toward more cost-effective models, which often meant closing smaller, rural homes like Langston House

Community and Political Opposition

The proposal was met with strong resistance from the local community, who feared the loss of a vital institution.

The plan sparked significant local concern, with residents, families, and local officials voicing opposition. Then-Witney MP David Cameron raised the issue in Parliament, describing Langston House – alongside Castle View (Chipping Norton) and Spencer Court (Woodstock) –  as a “wonderful home” that met all government standards and was “highly valued by the local community”.

Cameron emphasised the importance of keeping care homes close to where people live, even if they were small and not always profitable. He argued that the decision ultimately came down to funding priorities, stating, “the buck stops with the Government”.

Community Mobilisation

Public meetings were held at Milton Village Hall, especially on  October 24^th  2002, where village  residents, families of care home residents, and local councillors including Hilary Biles, gathered to express their concerns.

The meetings focused on the emotional and practical impact of losing a local care facility, especially for elderly residents who would be displaced.

Attendees emphasised that Langston House was not just a care home but a community institution, deeply woven into village life.

 Petitions and Advocacy

Local residents organised petitions and letter-writing campaigns to Oxfordshire County Council.

Many highlighted the home’s compliance with government standards, its high-quality care, and the lack of alternative facilities nearby.

Despite these efforts, the home closed in 2005, marking the end of over three decades of service.

Impact and Legacy

The closure highlighted tensions between economic efficiency and community-centred care, a theme echoed in broader debates about care home closures across England.

A Tribute to Langston House

In preparing this outline of Langston House history, we remind ourselves that Langston House was more than a care home — it was a sanctuary of warmth, dignity, and community. For over 30 years, it offered comfort and companionship to the elderly of Milton-under-Wychwood and surrounding villages. Its closure in 2005 marked the end of an era, but its legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew it.

Sources

Here are some key references behind this summary:

WLHS Journal 25 page 33

‘Dr Sandy Scott  was ..  no less the colourful character than his father. ….. He was always a fiery defender of local amenities. Those who witnessed his address at a public meeting to try to save Langston House from closure were delighted to hear the sort of impassioned appeal they themselves would like to have made, had they been imbued with the ability to do so.‘

Across a hundred years, Leafield Radio Station evolved from scientific curiosity to imperial linchpin, from education powerhouse to pit-lane thrill machine. Its buildings may fall silent, but its story continues to transmit through those who remember and retell it.

Leafield Radio Station: 1988 redevelopment

Here we offer a brief summary of the history of the site from the early 20^th century. Much of the material here is taken from the records in an archive folder on loan to WLHS by former employee Bryan Hunt. We also include an album of photographs taken from the folder, as well as a pair of interesting video clips from British Pathé.

Leafield Radio Station : Pioneering Beginnings (1912–1918)

• In 1912, the visionary Marconi company selected Leafield’s high elevation for experimental radio transmissions under the Post Office’s guidance.
• Before this, the site hosted humble meteorological huts — clues to its scientific potential.
• With the outbreak of WWI, operations paused, but the site’s significance earned it military protection.

305-feet mast with crows nest, 1920s

The Imperial Wireless Chain (Post-WWI–1940s)

• After the war, Leafield joined the ambitious Imperial Wireless Chain to link the British Empire via radio telegraphy.
• Thirteen 305-ft masts were erected using a ladder-hoisting method that tested the mettle of early engineers.
• By 1943, weather damage and steel shortages led to the masts being encased in concrete, boosting their weight to 120 tons.
• Leafield became a hub for Reuter press, maritime, and government radio transmissions.

Leafield Radio Station. Masts encased in concrete.

Powering Progress

• To support its high-voltage transmitters, Leafield built a coal-fired power station with twin 800HP steam turbines.
• The ash produced formed the “ash track” road — still locally referenced today.
• The site grew from 152 to 600 acres, with much of the land leased for aerial fields and sheep grazing.

Wartime Ingenuity & Camouflage

• During WWII, buildings were camouflaged and a plywood decoy erected nearby to fool enemy aircraft.
• Troops and local Home Guard units guarded the station continuously.
• In 1982, Leafield served again during the Falklands War as a long-wave communications link.

Leafield Radio Station: A New Era (1961–1986)

Leafield Radio Station: The massive original masts were replaced by smaller ones which covered fields surrounding the site. On the right is an example of the rotatable log periodic antenna system used.

• A modern £1M radio station rose in 1961 with futuristic buildings, 80 steel masts, and automated technology.
• Opened in 1962, it was hailed globally as one of the finest.
• By 1986, satellite communication had rendered it obsolete, and the station closed. BT Group acquired 12½ acres in 1988.

Leafield Training College (1960s–1994)

• Training began soon after the station’s modernisation, with hostels and lecture spaces created from repurposed buildings. Hostel with 50 bedrooms built; unused engineer bungalows used as annexes.
• The college expanded with the Red Corridor wing, welfare block, and dining facilities.

Leafield Radio Station: Hostel and Welfare Block 1989

• By 1986, East Wing included 38 modern en-suite bedrooms. Training evolved into satellite systems, submarine cable platforms, rigging expertise and AXE test beds.
• In 1988, BT Group approved a £5.5M transformation, completed in 1991 — but despite optimism, the site was closed in 1994 as BT restuctured its training systems.

Leafield Radio Station: Bridge over cooling ponds from the car park to the reception area-1988

Motorsport Activity (2000s–2015)

After BT’s departure, Leafield found new life in motorsport.

• Leased to Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) as a Formula One development hub for Arrows F1 until 2002.
• From 2006–2008, Super Aguri F1 operated from the site.
• Menard Competition Technologies (MCT) joined next, producing engines for Norton Motorcycles’ Commando 961 range from 2009.
• In 2012, Caterham F1 Team relocated to Leafield, but declared bankruptcy in 2015.

Today, Leafield Technical Centre stands empty — its future uncertain, but its past vibrantly alive.

Leafield Radio Station: A Selection of Images

Here we offer a selection of images from which are also part of the archive folder on loan to WLHS by former employee Bryan Hunt

Leafield Radio Station: A Century of Innovation and Communication » Leafield Radio Station

Leafield Radio Station: Birds Eye View of new 1989 developments

Men shovelling snow. Leafield's elevated position was advantageous for radio transmission but not for winter weather. Winter 1963. During this time the Nissan hut was used as works canteen

Leafield s elevated position was advantageous for radio transmission but not for winter weather. Winter 1963. During this time the Nissan hut was used as works canteen

Leafields elevated position was advantageous for radio transmission but not for winter weather. Winter 1963. During this time the Nissan hut was used as works canteen. Men shovelling snow.

Leafield Radio Station: Hostel and Welfare Block 1989

Leafield Radio Station: Training group 1989, with Bryan Hunt, instructor

Typical room in redeveloped student block 1989

Rigging training was transferred from Rugby in 1986 and Leafield s expertise in external rigging and working practices was unique in the UK, if not in Europe also. Students came from as far away as the USA and the Far East for training.

Rigging training was transferred from Rugby in 1986 and Leafield s expertise in external rigging and working practices was unique in the UK, if not in Europe also. Students came from as far away as the USA and the Far East for training. Dave Gibson, instructor, on left

Rigging training was transferred from Rugby in 1986 and Leafield s expertise in external rigging and working practices was unique in the UK, if not in Europe also. Students came from as far away as the USA and the Far East for training.

East Wing converted to student accommodation Phase 1 1986. Photo 1989

East Wing converted to student accommodation Phase 2 1989. Photo 1989

Leafield Radio Station: Birds Eye View of new 1989 developments

Leafield Radio Station: Birds Eye View of new 1989 developments

Leafield Radio Station: Birds Eye View of new 1989 developments

Leafield's elevated position was advantageous for radio transmission but not for winter weather. Winter 1963. During this time the Nissan hut was used as works canteen

Leafield Radio Station: The massive original masts were replaced by smaller ones which covered fields surrounding the site.

Leafield Radio Station: The massive original masts were replaced by smaller ones, including log periodic antennas (shown right) which covered fields surrounding the site

Radio station transmitter wings being converted into student bedrooms

Radio station transmitter wings being converted into student bedrooms

Leafielld Radio Station: Framework of the restaurant building, sited over the area of the cooling ponds

Framework of the restaurant building, sited over the area of the cooling ponds

Leafield Radio Station: Bridge over cooling ponds from car park to the reception area 1988

Leafield Radio Station: The reception desk in the 1980s redevelopment

Leafield Radio Station: New building opened by Stephen Jeffares

Leafield Radio Staion 1980s: Bridge from car park to reception

Leafield Radio Station 1980s: Restaurant/Bar service area in the new 1980s building

Leafield Radio Station 1980s: Bar in the new 1980s building

Aerial view showing new resaurant building over the cooling pond area

Aerial view showing the site before the building of the new restaurant and service area

Steam driven turbine offering constant power to the site

Leafield Radio Station. Shows transmission connections after mast demolition

Leafield Radio Station bolted steel sections of mast

Leafield Radio Station Cooling Ponds 1989

Leafield Radio Station . Failed mast demolition

Power house for boilers and steam turbines. Building on right contatined long wave arc transmitters. Cooling ponds in foreground

Leafield Radio Station. Interior ladder entrance to climb mast

Leafield Radio Station. Masts encased in concrete

Leafield Radio Station : Shows how poles were adapted to make encasing possible

Leafield Radio Station Shows Transmission Connections after mast demolition

Leafield Radio Station Complete Site, 1920s

Moment of demolition of a redundant mast

Leafield Radio Station: Engine power

Leafield Radio Station: One of two 16 cylinder Lister blackstones

Replacement diesel driven generator.Used as standby power in the event of mains failure

306 feet mast with crows nest, 1920s

Men hauling on ropes, presumably as part of the mast raising/Installation?

Mast after demolition - partially successful

Leafield Radio Station - Early bungalow accommodation, still in use in the 1980s

Leafield Radio Station - Night time view poss 1920s

Leafield Radio Station Bungalows 1989

Leafield Radio Station: Christmas Card 1935

Leafield Radio Station: Groundwork for 1961 redevelopment

Leafied Radio Station: Illustration of stony ground during 1961 rebuild

Leafield Radio Station: Groundwork for April 1961 redevelopment

Feb 18th 1961 Groundwork Redevelopment

Conversion of East Wing with Boilerhouse extension 1989

Conversion of East Wing with Boilerhouse extension 1989

Leafield's elevated position was advantageous for radio transmission but not for winter weather. Winter 1963. During this time the Nissan hut was used as works canteen

A History of the Site by British Telecom

Here we offer a downloadable  PDF with  summary of the notes by British Telecom in the late 1980s, which are also part of the archive folder on loan to WLHS by former employee Bryan Hunt. The summary covers the story up to the late 1980s.

Video Clips

Go here for a 3 minute British Pathe newsreel of a tour around the Post Office Radio Station at Rugby, showing similar features to the station at Leafield (opens in new window)

Go here for a short 30-second clip of the 1921 opening of the station at Leafield (opens in new window)

Among the many photographs scanned by the Society photo scanning group, was a picture of a village outing, for which no information was (or could be) supplied at the time of the scan.

We noticed that there is a similar image which Burford Tolsey Museum and Archive posted on Facebook, but also with no information about its subject matter!

We felt it should be identifiable from that distinctive bit of architecture in the background, but we could not relate it to anything local that we knew.

However, with the aid of Google Lens we were able to identify the location of this photo as ….. Windsor Castle!

Here is another photo which shows the lodge and the distinctive brick wall also visible in the photograph. 

So, we know that our photo was taken just beside Datchet Gate Lodge, close to Windsor and Eton Riverside railway station. The lodge was built circa 1820-30, and is grade II listed.

Our investigations showed that outings to Windsor Castle were popular in the Edwardian period. There were also the annual Royal Windsor flower shows, started in 1892, which meant that some parts of the castle grounds were opened up, and which may have been a cause of many outings.

Though we still have no details of this group, or indeed have not researched into any of the names, it is to be hoped that one day we will know more. However, the use of AI and image recognition technology is likely to be of growing help to us in the near future.