evidence of which can still be seen. The Brymbo Ironworks, opened in 1899, had its own narrow gauge railway and was connected to the B&CDR at Council Hill Sidings, east of Hook Norton station. The Brymbo Ironworks closed in 1946 and was dismantled in 1948. Hook Norton Brewery was founded in 1849 and is an important architectural example of a Victorian tower brewery, as well as containing a working Victorian steam engine. The brewery has a museum that includes a section on the history of the village. The village's 18th century hand-pumped fire engine, which was in use until 1896, is preserved in St. Peter's parish church. Churches The present Church of England parish church of Saint Peter is of Norman origin but also has Early English, Decorated Gothic and Perpendicular Gothic features. The Norman font is 11th century and is unusual in featuring pagan signs of the Zodiac. St. Peter's contains a number of wall paintings including saints, angels and the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The church tower has a ring of eight bells, all cast in 1949 by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough. St Peter's is now the mother church of the Benefice of Hook Norton with Great Rollright, Swerford and Wigginton. Hook Norton Baptist Church is among the oldest in Britain, having been founded 1640. Its present building is Georgian, built in 1781. Hook Norton also had a Methodist chapel, which was built in 1875. Amenities Hook Norton has a Church of England controlled primary school, shop, a post office and general store, a fire station crewed by retained firefighters, a GPs' practice, a dental practice, veterinary surgery, public library, a memorial village hall, a Women's Institute and a sports and social club. Hook Norton Brewery is famous for brewing traditional real ale. Hook Norton hosts an annual music festival, Music at the Crossroads, that raises funds for many local charitable causes. Hook Norton has three public houses, all of which are controlled by Hook Norton Brewery: The Gate Hangs High The Pear Tree Inn The Sun Inn Sport and leisure Hook Norton F.C. plays in the Witney and District Division 2. Hook Norton Cricket Club plays in Oxfordshire Cricket Association Division One. Hook Norton also has a tennis club, a running club and a Multi Use Games Area whose sports include netball. References Sources and further reading External links Hook Norton community website