Binsey, a small village and a parish in the district of Abingdon and county of Oxford. The village stands on the right bank of the Isis, near the West Midland railway, 1 ½ mile NNW of Oxford. It was originally called Thorney, 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. The parish comprises 470 acres; and its post-town is Oxford. Real property, £1,002. Pop., 67. Houses, 15. The property is divided among h few. The living is a p. curacy in the diocese of Oxford. Value, £90. Patron, Christ Church College, Oxford. The church is an ancient brick building, without a tower.
Source: The Imperial Gazetteer of England & Wales [Wilson, John M]. A. Fullarton & Co. N. d. c. [1870-72].
