Research Grants

We offer grants of up to £3,500 for individuals, groups and organisations to support research into the history, architecture and archaeology of Oxfordshire (including the city of Oxford). Grants are given both for original research and/or the publication and dissemination of research.

How to apply

  1. Send a proposal of up to 1000 words to the secretary Jill Hind () outlining the activities proposed. The proposal should contain a time chart for the project, the amount of grant requested, a breakdown of how this will be spent and an indication of the public benefits from the OAHS funding.
  2. Reference and CV: Applicants should provide a CV and an academic or professional reference that supports the proposed activity.
  3. Timing of applications: An application can be made at any time in the year and will normally get a response within three months.
  4. Report: After completion of the research grant holders are expected to submit a report of around 500 words suitable for placing on the OAHS website

Brian Cohen Oxoniensia Essay Prize Information

A prize of £250 is offered annually for the best essay on a subject related to the archaeology, architecture, or history of Oxfordshire from an author who has not been previously published in the field. The winning essay will be considered for publication in Oxoniensia.
For detailed requirements Click Here

Recent Grant Allocations

OAHS continues to support the VCH Oxfordshire project. In addition, grants have given to: Short reports are lodged here (click to read).

Examples Of Previous Projects Grant-aided By OAHS


Champs Chapel, East Hendred

Situated on Chapel Square in East Hendred, Champs Chapel is a three-bay building, with large east window lighting a full-height bay, and a floor in the western two bays, jettied over a screen. The floor structure is elaborately moulded, and the principal rafter roof has clasped purlins, curved wind braces, and an arch-braced truss over the upper room.

A grant from the OAHS was used to finance dendrochronology dating of several timbers at the chapel. Three different timbers produced dates between 1464 and 1466, giving a likely construction date of 1466. This proves that the chapel was built by then Lords of the Manor, Sheen Priory, but dates the chapel later than had generally been thought.

The chapel has been the subject of a study into its fabric, history, and possible original use, which will be the subject of an article in Oxoniensia.

Victoria County History of Oxfordshire

OAHS is a long-term supporter of the project, which aims to complete coverage of the whole historic county. Annual grants have usually been £2,000.

East Hanney Brooch

A 7th century garnet and gold brooch was discovered at West Hanney in 2009. A grant of £100 assisted with the conservation of the piece, which is now on display in the museum at Woodstock.

Dorchester Project

Dorchester-on-Thames has seen settlements dating from the late Iron Age (100 BC - AD 43), the Roman, and the Anglo-Saxon periods which have not been obscured by later development. Since 2007 a partnership of the School of Archaeology at the University of Oxford, Oxford Archaeology, and members of the local community, have been investigating these sites, forming the long-term 'Discovering Dorchester' research project. OAHS gave a grant of £1,000 to this initiative.

The Vale and Ridgeway Project: Excavations at Marcham/Frilford

The Iron Age and Roman site at Marcham/Frilford was the focus of a long term excavation project in the early 21st century. As well as providing training for undergraduates at the University of Oxford and students from Continuing Education, there was as strong community element. OAHS supported the project with a grant of £500.

Historic Towns Atlas

The Historic Towns Trust is producing a series of Historic Towns Atlases, with the next volume covering Oxford. OAHS made a grant of £2,000 towards the illustrations for the volume.

Anglo-Saxon Gallery, Woodstock Museum

The Oxfordshire Museum Service developed a new gallery in the Woodstock Museum displaying and interpreting many of the splendid finds from the Anglo-Saxon period which have been made in the county. OAHS supported this project with a grant of £2,000.

Percy Manning Celebrations

Among the many events to celebrate the Centenary of Oxfordshire archaeologist historian and collector Percy Manning was the publication of a book covering the many aspects of his interests. Manning was an OAHS member and served as Secretary. OAHS gave a grant of £800 towards the publication.

Chipping Norton Castle

The Chipping Norton Project commissioned a geophysical survey of the castle area of the town. OAHS provided a grant of £500.