Oxfordshire folk share stories of meeting Jeremy Clarkson
Oxfordshire folk have shared their in-person experiences of meeting Jeremy Clarkson.
The former Top Gear host has made a local name for himself in recent years due to owning both a farm and a pub in the county while also living here.
Prime Video documentary show Clarkson’s Farm has achieved global fandom thanks to the antics of Mr Clarkson, Kaleb Cooper and their agricultural adventures near Chipping Norton.
The 64-year-old then opened his new pub, The Farmer’s Dog, earlier this year in Asthall after buying The Windmill for around £1,000,000 and renovating the spot.
Known for shows including Top Gear and The Grand Tour, it is no surprise that some sightings were behind the wheel.
David Burkey said: “Back in June 2024, I was cycling up the hill to his new pub just before he bought it. It’s a narrow road from Asthall, and there was a white 2013-plated Jag convertible coming downhill.
“I pulled over to let him pass, and he had a really perplexed expression on his face that a cyclist had pulled over to give way. He did say thank you.”
Alan Kilford added: “I came close to giving him a parking ticket in Chipping Norton.”
School days
Others have seen Mr Clarkson in the past on the school run.
Mike Wiggins said: “I met him dropping off his children at the Dragon School years ago.
“Jeremy is not arrogant like he appears on TV.”
Henri Connell Stewart added: “At school.”
Charity work
The TV presenter has also been praised for his charity endeavours, with some special memories made for children over the years.
Sarah Knowles said: “I met him when he visited Douglas House Respite Hospice for young adults in Oxford some years before it sadly closed in 2018.
“Jeremy Clarkson used to be involved in fundraising events for Helen and Douglas House many years ago.
“He came in while I was on shift and spent time chatting to our young folks about all things Top Gear and gave them quite a few merchandise items, which I’m sure they all cherished.”
Visit to the hospital
Mr Clarkson recently underwent emergency heart surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, and some locals have seen him there multiple times.
Sharron Godfrey said: “I was standing next to him in a lift at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
“Circumstances were not good for me, and I wouldn’t have wanted to guess why he was also there.”
Janice Day added: “I met him at the JR Hospital in Oxford and served him nearly every day in the Marks & Spencer café when his son was in hospital.”
