OBJECTS offering a glimpse into the 1,000-year history of the birthplace of Edward the Confessor are to go on show.

The two-day exhibition at Islip village hall, starting tomorrow, charts the history of the village through the years — with particular reference to it being the birthplace of saints and royalty.

Organisers researched the exhibition — called Houses and Occupants — for more than 18 months, visiting every home in the village near Kidlington to discover the secrets of its former inhabitants.

Organising committee member Sarah Hayward said: “For a small village, there are an awful lot of interesting tales and characters.

“We have had a battle, and kings and saints have been born in Islip.

“There are also fascinating stories from residents past and resent which helped us build up this exhibition.”

Edward the Confessor was born in Islip in about 1005 AD. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.

During the English Civil War, the village was strategically important because it was so close to the River Cherwell.

In 1645, occupying Royalist troops were beaten by Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of Islip Bridge.

The village remained in Cromwell's hands through the siege of Oxford.

Displays at the exhibition include details of old or lost houses, pictures from a campaign for council housing, and interesting past residents.

Domestic objects which demonstrate how people used to live will be on show, and audio recordings of past residents will be played.

Mrs Hayward added: “I think anybody who has a link with the village, whether they have lived here or know people who have, will be interested.

“We would love to meet as many people as possible who have a connection with the village, and perhaps help them discover more about their links. We want to keep discovering more about the area — there is so much to learn.”

The exhibition is open from 1-5pm tomorrow, and 10am to 5pm on Saturday.