Binsey, Oxfordshire

Description
Binsey, a small village and a parish in Oxfordshire. The village stands on the right bank of the Isis, 1 1/2 mile NNW of Oxford. It was originally called Thorney or Thornbury, from a profusion of thorns around it, and it afterwards took the name of Binsey, signifying the Island of Prayer, from its being a retreat of nuns and a great resort of pilgrims. A rude church was constructed adjacent to it about the year 730 by St Frideswide, and this, together with a reputed holy well, drew crowds of pilgrims for ages, insomuch that 24 inns stood in the neighbourhood for their accommodation. Post town, Oxford, which is the money order and telegraph office; population of the ecclesiastical parish, 73. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Oxford; net yearly value, £71. Patron, Christ Church College, Oxford. The church is an ancient stone building in mixed styles, without a tower.