Digital Archive: Journal No 11

Introduction to The Wychwoods Local History Society Journal No 11

A substantial proportion of this issue is concerned with Ascott under Wychwood while the other major theme to have emerged is that of tithes, in all their complexities. A long series of disputes about tithes in sixteenth-century Ascott has shown that people were as keen to embark upon litigation to protect their rights then as they are today. Moreover, this work also reveals the probable connection between Ascott and the Oxford monastery of St. Frideswide’s, explaining the persistence of ‘priory’ names in Ascott to this day.

The Society’s industrious ‘documents working party’ has now explored the ways in which local parishioners in the early eighteenth century supported their incumbent. comparing Shipton with Ramsden, at the same time revealing fascinating insights into the lives and conditions of ordinary folk.

A letter of complaint from an Enstone vicar demonstrates the clergy’s unease about the effects of parliamentary enclosure upon their incomes.

The Chaundy family were residents of Ascott for over four centuries. and Barbara Adkins’ work touches on disputes over tithes and other matters. Her notes also mention the link with the Quartermains, described in last year’s Journal.

Mrs Doris Warner lived all her life in Ascott, a keen observer of village life, and part1c1pated with great enjoyment in the many activities centred on the newly-built Tiddy Hall. Her memoirs are particularly appropriate today in view of the recent opening of the new, replacement, Tiddy Hall.

Of our three Wychwood villages, Ascott has hitherto been the least researched bv the Society but this edition somewhat redresses the balance. We would be very pleased to welcome new members from Ascott.

Milton has not been forgotten: the parish vestry’s ingenious methods of highway upkeep, grass mowing and of raising revenue in the last century are described.

The recent publication of an Oxfordshire medieval pottery monograph confirms how amateurs like ourselves can contribute to the body of published knowledge by accurate observations and the maintenance of careful records.

Congratulations to our fieldwalkers and sharp-eyed gardeners! New authors would be welcomed, to give our customary stalwart contributors a rest.

Articles of local families are acceptable, so long as they also contain sufficient information about contemporary local life: trades, industries. social conditions and so on, to be of general interest to readers. The current editor is also about to retire.

Margaret Ware
Editor

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