Bernwood Jubilee Way trail

Brill is a village whose history dates back beyond the royal hunting forest of Bernwood. It was once the most important settlement in the forest.

King Edward the Confessor chose Brill for the location of his royal hunting lodge. The presence of royalty helped establish a thriving pottery and brick industry.

Brill supplied bricks for houses and buildings in Brill, Oxford, Thame and Waddesdon Manor.

Brill windmill, a 17th century post mill, is on Brill common. It is the most prominent landmark and feature of the village. The grade II listed building is open to the public on Sundays.

The Pheasant
39 Windmill Street
Tel: 01844 237104

The Red Lion
27 Church Street
Tel: 01844 238339

Find out about the countryside code.

The village of Boarstall is best known for its 14th century gatehouse, Boarstall Tower.

It marks the site of a manor house where a forester called Nigel lived. It was the administrative centre for the royal forest.

Nigel was "Keeper of the Forest" and his job was to slay the wild boar that was disturbing the king's hunt. It was a much bigger community than today. Much of the medieval village was destroyed in the English civil war.

The nearby Duck Decoy is a rare example of a 17th Century decoy in full working order.

For information about:

• National Trust properties in this walk
• other walks along the Bernwood Jubilee Way

Telephone 01280 822850 or visit the National Trust website.