Local Area Publications

Airfield Focus 43: Upper Heyford

Airfield Focus 43: Upper Heyford

Peter Davis

Publisher: GMS Enterprises
Published Date: 15th January 2001
ISBN: 1870384822

This book is a description of an early aerodrome that developed to become one of the most important USAF airfields during the Cold War.

Airfield Focus 73: Weston on the Green

Airfield Focus 73: Weston on the Green

Peter Davis

Publisher: GMS Enterprises
Published Date: 1st January 2008
ISBN: 1904514391

The long history of the airfield described in 'Airfield Focus – Weston-on-the-Green' stretches from World War I to the present.

Akeman Street: Moving Through Iron Age and Roman Landscapes

Akeman Street: Moving Through Iron Age and Roman Landscapes

Tim Copeland

Publisher: The History Press
Published Date: 26th January 2009
ISBN: 0752447327

This book is an account of the old Roman Road between St Albans and Cirencester and how it influenced the area it went through.

Aspects of Evenley

Aspects of Evenley

Evenley Residents Association

Published Date: 25th November 2002
ISBN: 0954380800

The authors of 'Aspects of Evenley' produced a concise history of their village at key moments in its development.

Bernwood: The Life and Afterlife of a Forest

Bernwood: The Life and Afterlife of a Forest

John Broad and Richard Hoyle

Publisher: University of Central Lancashire
Published Date: 1st May 1997
ISBN: 0906694736

The former Royal Hunting preserve of Bernwood Forest forms an ancient tract of woodland to the east of the region. The study reveals how a forest was administered and how the economy was controlled.

Bicester and Chesterton

Bicester and Chesterton

Bicester Local History Society

Publisher: NPI Media Group
Published Date: 1st June 1999
ISBN: 0752416995
In the Archive

This book represents Bicester Local History Society's first publication. It contains over 200 old photographs providing a glimpse of life in Bicester and Chesterton over the last 100 years. The quieter pace of village life in the last years of the 19th century is also documented. Included within this compilation are images of lively street scenes, sports teams, dramatic productions and special events in the lives of local individuals. The scenes of Bicester have been assembled from small private collections held by local people with a family history in the town. The photographs of Chesterton were rescued from a bonfire several years ago.

Bicester & Otmoor

Bicester & Otmoor

Sian Ellis

Publisher: Nonsuch Publishing
Published Date: 10th January 1973
ISBN: 1845884701

This book, by author Sian Ellis, illustrates the changes that took place in the town from the late twentieth century through a series of pictures that capture the people and events of the time. A large part of the book is devoted to life in the surrounding villages and the rural landscape of the time. This includes a survey of the unique area covered by Otmoor to the south east of the town.

The Bicester Military Railway and the Army's Central Railway Workshop

The Bicester Military Railway and the Army's Central Railway Workshop

E.R. Lawton & Major M.W. Sackett

Publisher: OPC Railprint
Published Date: 17th August 1992
ISBN: 0860934675

Hidden away in the Central Ordnance Depot the military railway has performed a vital function in peace and wartime. 'The Bicester Military Railway' reveals its role over the last sixty years.

Bicester Poor Law Union and Workhouse Records

Bicester Poor Law Union and Workhouse Records

Publisher: Oxfordshire Black Sheep Publications

This publication contains just a small part of a large collection of records relating to the Bicester Poor Law Union. Included are the earliest Admission & Discharge Register, Applications for Relief, details of those who were employed at the Workhouse and those individuals who applied for medical benefits.

The Brill Tramway

The Brill Tramway

Bill Simpson

Publisher: OPC Railprint
Published Date: 20th May 1985
ISBN: 0860932184

This book traces the history of the private railway enterprise that ran from Verney Junction to Brill and the men who built it.

The Bucknell Millennium Book

The Bucknell Millennium Book

Written to celebrate the turn of the millennium, this book describes aspects of village life at various times in its history.

The Changing Faces of Bicester: Book 2

The Changing Faces of Bicester: Book 2

Peter Barrington and David Watts

Publisher: Robert Boyd Publications
Published Date: 1st November 1999
ISBN: 1899536426

Bicester continues to change. The town's roots go back to the time the Romans left their settlement at Alchester, just south of the town, to move to the slightly higher ground of what is now Bicester. The Augustinian Priory was a major factor in the town's growth and importance. Bicester today is a thriving and expanding community. This second book on The Changing Faces of Bicester explains much of the background to the town and explains why it looks the way it does now. Peter Barrington has been joined by local historian David Watts as co-author. David has worked for the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and is now with the Bucks Museums, Libraries and Archives service.

The Changing Faces of Bicester: Book 5

The Changing Faces of Bicester: Book 5

David Watts and Peter Barrington

Publisher: Robert Boyd Publications
Published Date: 1st January 2003
ISBN: 1899536701

Book Five of The Changing Faces of Bicester returns to Bicester town centre with fresh material and also takes a look at the Highfield area of the town and Slade Farm which has become the Bure Park housing estate. There is also the remarkable story of Bicester's first historian, the Reverend White Kennett. He survived an accidental and serious gunshot wound and went on to become the Bishop of Peterborough.

Chesterton: An Oxfordshire Village at the Millennium

Chesterton: An Oxfordshire Village at the Millennium

Chesterton Millennium Committee

This book reviews village life within living memory and describes the Roman town of Alchester which is located in the parish.

Cottisford Revisited

Cottisford Revisited

Ted and Joan Flaxman

Publisher: E.W. Flaxman
Published Date: 1st April 2008
ISBN: 0954898621

Ted and Joan Flaxman examine many of the vanished aspects of village life in 'Cottisford Revisited'.

Flora Thompson's Country

Flora Thompson's Country

David Watts and Christine Bloxham

Publisher: Robert Boyd Publications
Published Date: 3rd November 2009
ISBN: 1899536965

Flora Thompson’s Country describes many of the locations that were familiar to the author and the family ties that bound her to the area. A balance of old photographs dating from her time and more recent images portray the unique atmosphere of this part of the world.

In Flora's Footsteps

In Flora's Footsteps

Martin Greenwood

Publisher: Wychwood Press
Published Date: 15th May 2009
ISBN: 1902279379

Author Martin Greenwood examines the real-life characters and places behind the hugely successful 'Lark Rise to Candleford' television series. He provides a wide-ranging review of village life in 'Lark Rise Country' focusing on the major influences and changes during and after Flora Thompson's Victorian childhood.

Fringford Through the Ages

Fringford Through the Ages

Martin Greenwood

Published Date: 1st November 2000
ISBN: 0953962709

Martin Greenwood tapped into the memories of local villagers to produce 'Fringford Through the Ages' which studies lifestyle and traditions in the village that was the model for Flora Thompson's 'Candleford Green'.

History of Finmere

History of Finmere

Publisher: Finmere and Little Tingewick Historical Society
Published Date: 1st January 1998
ISBN: 095332530X

A 'History of Finmere' was part of the series of local histories penned by Rev. J. C. Blomfield in 1887 and revised by the Finmere and Little Tingewick Historical Society in 1998.

A History of St Mary's Church, Launton

A History of St Mary's Church, Launton

Pat Tucker

Publisher: Launton Historical Society
Published Date: 1st October 2005
ISBN: 0951258869

'A History of St Mary's Church, Launton, Oxfordshire' by Pat Tucker explores the history of the local parish church and those who have been associated with it over the past centuries.

In the Wake of Ambrosius

In the Wake of Ambrosius

David Green

Published Date: 30th July 2000
ISBN: 0953845508

David Green's book 'In the Wake of Ambrosius' explores the history of the Upper Ray Valley and includes studies of Ambrosden, Arncott, Blackthorn and Merton and the area bordering on Otmoor.

Islip, Oxfordshire

Islip, Oxfordshire

Sarah Hayward

Publisher: Cameron Grant Associates
Published Date: 1st March 2007
ISBN: 0955546605

'Islip, Oxfordshire' was produced as a result of celebrations to mark the death of Edward the Confessor and traces village life from Saxon times to the present.

Islip, Oxfordshire Written Clues, 1662-1851

Islip, Oxfordshire Written Clues, 1662-1851

Velda Henman

Publisher: P.I. Drinkwater
Published Date: 27th June 1987
ISBN: 0946643202

Velda Henman penned 'Islip, Oxfordshire Written Clues, 1662-1851' to examine economic and social changes during the two hundred year period of the village's history.

Kirtlington: An Oxfordshire Village

Kirtlington: An Oxfordshire Village

Vanadia Humphries

Publisher: Phillimore & Co Ltd
Published Date: 1st January 1986
ISBN: 0850335841

'Kirtlington an Oxfordshire Village' is a study by Vanadia Humphries of the history of the village throughout a variety of historical periods.

Let's Look at Launton

Let's Look at Launton

Pat Tucker

Publisher: Launton Historical Society
Published Date: 1st January 1985
ISBN: 095125880X

Pat Tucker published 'Let's Look at Launton' in 1985 as a guide to the locations and events that have figured prominently in the village's history.

The Long Straw

The Long Straw

Michael Nicholson

Michael Nicholson grew up in Bucknell and his book 'The Long Straw' describes his life and adventures during his lifetime.

Memoirs of Bletchington

Memoirs of Bletchington

Vanadia Humphries

Publisher: Ox in the Circle Publications
Published Date: 1st January 2003
ISBN: 0951302418

Vanadia Humphries'Memoirs of Bletchington' is a survey of the village from pre-history to the present and describes many of the characters associated with the village.

Merton Parish 1880-1980

Merton Parish 1880-1980

Jill Wishart

Jill Wishart wrote 'Merton Parish 1880-1980' to highlight the unique nature of village life in a small Oxfordshire settlement through a study of parish records.

Middleton Stoney, Excavation and Survey in a North Oxfordshire Parish

Middleton Stoney, Excavation and Survey in a North Oxfordshire Parish

Sebastian Rahtz & Trevor Rowley

Published Date: 1st December 1984
ISBN: 0903736160

The excavation of Middleton Stoney Castle and the development of the village are described in 'Middleton Stoney: Excavation and Survey in a North Oxfordshire Parish 1970-1982'.

Otmoor 2000AD

Otmoor 2000AD

Bruce Tremayne & Ann Lackie

Publisher: Otmoor Group
Published Date: 1st December 2000
ISBN: 0953968200

The unique topography and historic character of Otmoor is examined in 'Otmoor 2000 AD' which reveals how social and economic forces have shaped the present landscape.

Otmoor and its Seven Towns

Otmoor and its Seven Towns

Mary Hobson & Katherine Price

Publisher: Truexpress

'Otmoor and its Seven Towns' paints an historic picture of the landscape and events that shaped its present form as well as describe the villages of Beckley, Noke, Oddington, Charlton-on-Otmoor, Fencott, Murcott and Horton-cum-Studley.

Oxfordshire Village Life: The Diaries of George James Dew

Oxfordshire Village Life: The Diaries of George James Dew

George Dew & Pamela Horn

Publisher: Beacon Publications
Published Date: 1st January 1983

The diaries of George Dew and his recollections of his work as Relieving Officer for the Bicester Workhouse form the basis for the study reported in 'Oxfordshire Village Life'.

The Real Lark Rise Parish

The Real Lark Rise Parish

Ted and Joan Flaxman

Publisher: E.W. Flaxman
Published Date: 1st November 2009
ISBN: 095489863X

Ted and Joan Flaxman lift the lid from the rather chocolate box image we have of Flora Thompson's world and through careful research reveal the harsher side of social conditions in their book 'The Real Lark Rise Parish'. Influences from further afield are also considered.

Souldern: Our Village in Oxfordshire

Souldern: Our Village in Oxfordshire

Ann Prescott

Publisher: A. Prescott
Published Date: 1st January 1994

'Souldern Our Village in Oxfordshire' is a well researched and illustrated book that chronicles the events and people connected with the village over the past century.

Tackley: Pictures from the Past

Tackley: Pictures from the Past

Diana Joslin, Anne Martin & Simon Somerscales

Publisher: Tackley Local History Group
Published Date: 1st January 1995
ISBN: 0950699942

The collection of images contained in 'Tackley: Pictures from the Past' illustrate bygone times in the parish.

Tackley to Tasmania

Tackley to Tasmania

Barry McKay

Publisher: Tackley Local History Group
Published Date: 1st October 1992
ISBN: 0950699926

Pauper emigration from the Oxfordshire village is the subject covered in the book 'Tackley to Tasmania' and the tragic wreck of the Cataraqui on her voyage to Australia 1845-1846.

Tracks Through Time

Tracks Through Time

Jenny Harrington

Publisher: Tackley Local History Group
Published Date: 1st January 1992
ISBN: 0950699934

Tackley Local History Group published 'Tracks through Time', a survey of the local history of the village from pre-historic times until the present.

Upper Heyford, Recollections of Life in a Small Village: 1

Upper Heyford, Recollections of Life in a Small Village: 1

The village History Group at Upper Heyford produced an interesting booklet that describes the recollections of life in a small village and the impact that boats, trains and planes had on the community in their publication 'Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire Volume 1'.

Upper Heyford, Recollections of Life in a Small Village: 2

Upper Heyford, Recollections of Life in a Small Village: 2

'Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire Volume 2' continues to explore themes described in the first volume of the study.

Villages of Banburyshire

Villages of Banburyshire

Martin Greenwood

Publisher: Wychwood Press
Published Date: 26th April 2006
ISBN: 1902279247

'Villages of Banburyshire' by Martin Greenwood concentrates on settlements to the north west of Bicester with descriptions of Cottisford, Fringford, Fritwell, Juniper Hill and Lower Heyford.

Watery Tackley

Watery Tackley

A. Rupert Hall & Harold D.L. Corby

Publisher: Tackley Local History Group
Published Date: 1st January 2000
ISBN: 0950699969

'Watery Tackley' explores the streams, water courses, fish ponds and bygone watermills situated within the Parish of Tackley.

Wheels to Disaster!

Wheels to Disaster!

Peter Lewis & Alistair Nisbet

Publisher: The History Press
Published Date: 1st May 2008
ISBN: 075244512X

'Wheels to Disaster' provides an account of the most serious rail disaster of the nineteenth century that took place at Hampton Gay in 1874.

The World of Flora Thompson

The World of Flora Thompson

Christine Bloxham

Publisher: The History Press
Published Date: 1st May 2007
ISBN: 0752443488

'The World of Flora Thompson' written by Christine Bloxham is set within the context of what life was like for the author of 'Lark Rise to Candleford' as she grew up in Juniper Hill, Cottisford and Fringford in the early 1900s.