A NEW history of the North Oxford parish where Lawrence of Arabia grew up and Charles the First escaped the siege of Oxford has been published to help raise money to restore a local landmark.

A Corner of North Oxford tells the story of St Margaret’s parish, home to The Anchor pub, St Margaret’s Institute, and St Philip and St James Primary School.

It has been written by amateur historians Liz Wade and Catherine Robinson, who live in the area.

Proceeds from the sale of the £5 book will be donated to a £20,000 fund to restore the war memorial at St Margaret’s Church by November 11 next year. The monument is on the verge of collapse because death-watch beetle are destroying its oak pillars. It is being held up by scaffolding.

The book is available from the authors at 28 Polstead Road and 12 Hayfield Road, or from Bunters Deli and The Anchor pub, both in Hayfield Road.