The village derives its name from the Anglo-Saxon gaerse dun meaning a grassy hill. There are fine views to the Chilterns from the Memorial Playing Field, to Oxford from many parts of the village and, from the Church, to Wittenham Clumps and the Berkshire Downs. Footpaths, once used to reach the surrounding fields, lead downhill from the village.
Originally the village was grouped at the top of the hill with St Mary's and its Norman Tower, the old village school and the three pubs (The Red Lion, The Plough and The Three Horseshoes) as its focal points.
Of particular note are the Elizabethan Garsington Manor and its fine garden, which was laid out in the 1920's by Philip Morrell and his wife, Lady Otteline. The garden is open twice a year for the National Gardens Scheme and since 1989 a very successful summer opera festival has been held there. The garden is also the setting for the annual summer production of the Garsington Players.
Other listed stone buildings include the Old Kennels, once the home of the Christ Church Beagles, Manor Farm House with its 18th century dovecote, Home Close and its granary, The Malthouse and cottages in Pettiwell. These and other interesting buildings around the village are described in 'Garsington, A Brief Guide'. Further information about events in Garsington can be found on the Internet at www.thelocalchannel.co.uk/garsington.
