Faringdon is strategically located on a limestone ridge between the River Ock and the River Thames, and near the Ridgeway on the Downs. Its prominent position, at the junctions of ancient roads, has made it a historic centre for trade and travellers for many years. Faringdon (meaning 'fern-covered hill') was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Wessex and Alfred the Great is reputed to have had his castle located here.

King John gave the town a Royal Charter in 1216 for a weekly market, which continues to this day in the marketplace, alongside a thriving monthly Farmers Market. The 17th century town hall remains the focal point of the town, surrounded by Georgian fronted inns and shops.

Faringdon has a thriving business economy that is heavily supported by the Faringdon and District Chamber of Commerce. The South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) together with other local councils and Business Link set up the Faringdon Enterprise Gateway (now Faringdon Business Centre) in 2002 as a location to support and foster SME’s. In 2003, Faringdon was awarded Beacon Town status for its business support and the work that it carried out in encouraging businesses to grow at Faringdon.

For anyone wishing to locate their business at Faringdon, there are numerous support services, such as:

Banking

Conference facilities

Hotels

Sandwich shops

Supermarkets

Diverse range of independent shops

Pubs and Restaurants

Printers

Post Office

Leisure facilities (including swimming pool, golf and gym)

State and Independent schools

*Source: 2001 Census ONS