I was on a quest to visit all of the ancient English turf mazes, and I had just one left: Troy Town, at Somerton in Oxfordshire. Uniquely among the surviving English labyrinths, the Somerton turf maze is privately owned, in the garden of the Troy Farm Bed and Breakfast. So I booked myself into the B&B, and went to have a look.
Update (2025): the B&B is now permanently closed and the maze is not open to the public.
Origins Of The Somerton Turf Maze
As with all historic labyrinths, the origins of the Somerton Turf Maze are obscure. The existence of nearby Roman roads has led to speculation that it dates from Roman times. However, although it is true that the Romans used mazes for the playing of sports and games, it would be unusual for a turf maze to survive for so long. It is more likely that it was built in the Middle Ages: mazes were common in the medieval period, and several were recorded in the Domesday Book.
The land on which the maze stands was at one time owned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux. The existence of a pavement maze inside Bayeux Cathedral might have inspired him to create a labyrinth on his own ground. Or perhaps it was the work of the Aston family who lived here until the establishment of Troy Farm in the 16th century.
If Bishop Odo built Troy Town then its purpose could have been religious, to be used for prayer or penance. Alternatively, as it was on private land, it could have been part of the garden design (formal gardens had started to incorporate mazes by the time of the Astons). What we do know is that in later times Mayday dancing and celebrations took place here, a practice that continued into the 20th century.
Design Of The Troy Town Labyrinth
Troy Town has an atmospheric setting, hidden among trees and close to the Portway track (an ancient pre-Roman road). It is one of the largest of the remaining turf mazes, measuring 18m by 15m, and the path is around 400m long. The labyrinth is of the classical design, with fifteen concentric rings, and resembles the 12th century floor maze at Toussaints Abbey in France.
Troy Town, or Walls of Troy, was a popular name for medieval labyrinths. It may be a reference to the ancient city of Troy, whose walls were supposedly so confusing that enemy invaders would never find their way out. Or it might just be derived from the Celtic word troian (Anglo Saxon thrawen), meaning “to turn”.
8 thoughts on “Troy Town, The Somerton Turf Maze”
I’ve never heard of turf mazes before but now I’m definitely intrigued. It’s nice that there’s a bit of mystery with the history of the Somerton turf maze.
What an interesting entertainment idea for people way back when. Kind of a giant board game played in the garden perhaps?
The Somerton Turf Maze looks interesting, and would be an interesting way to spend an afternoon.
Can’t believe that a turf maze survived all this time, without any hardscaping to keep it preserved. Did you get dizzy exploring them all? ;)
You’re right – turf mazes need a lot of maintenance, and have to be redug occasionally. One reason why there are so few of them left.
I’ve always been fond of mazes but prefer the taller bush kind. Have you visited many of those?
I’ve been to a few hedge mazes, but they tend to be more recent than the turf labyrinths.
I’ve visited what you call “hedge mazes” but never saw ones so close to the ground or as old as these. Fascinating!