'Chocolate Box' Rural

Great Tew, Oxfordshire

1. Great Tew was originally a 'closed village' owned by a 'Lord of the Manor'. This dated from medieaval times when a village and its inhabitants were 'owned' by a wealthy, aristocratic family.

2. The village and estate occupies 1,618 hectares with over 100 cottages - 70 have been improved and are 'let' to people who can provide a service to and for the village e.g. thatchers.

3. In the recent past it has suffered from rural population decline as employment in agriculture has dwindled in the 20 unprofitable farms.

4. The Johnston family, who have owned the estate since 1985, amalgamated the 20 farms into 3 profit making farms.

5. The village has helped to reverse the outward migration of people diversifying. A village shop selling both convenience goods for the locals and tourist produce for visitors is able to provide employment and generate an income.

6. Other diversification activities to generate employment and income include shooting, rallying, equestrian events and quarrying.

7. An example of a 'rural growth pole' stimulating 'positive cumulative causation'.

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