Gazetteer Home Page

OXFORDSHIRE

[A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [G] [H] [I] [N] [O] [R] [S] [T] [W]

Last updated: 23 February, 2005

ADDERBURY 4471 2353. 1334 Subsidy £159.12. See also VCH Oxfordshire, ix, p. 24.
M (Letter Close) Mon; mercatum, gr 26 Jul 1218, by K Hen III to P[eter] bp of Winchester (RLC, i, p. 366b). To be held at the manor. Mandate to the sh of Oxfordshire to cause him to have it.

BAMPTON 4312 2033. A minster and royal centre and probably a small town before 1066. K Hen III granted the royal manor to Imbert de Pugeys in 1238. In 1249, Pugeys surrendered the manor to William de Valence (PR, 33 Hen II, p. xxxviii; VCH Oxfordshire, xiii, p. 22; CPR, 1247–58, p. 35). In the 1334 Lay Subsidy, Bampton and its members were assessed at £969.06 (Glasscock, p. 237). Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475). See also VCH Oxfordshire, xiii, p. 38.
M (Prescriptive); recorded 1086, mercatum. Of the market, 50s. (VCH Oxfordshire, i, p. 400). In 1187, the market was said to have rendered 70s. formerly, but a deduction of 25s. was sought from the half yearly farm of the manor, for losses caused by adulterine markets (PR, 33 Hen II, p. 67).
M (Charter) Wed; gr 22 May 1241, by K Hen III to Imbert Pugeis (CChR, 1226–57, p. 259). The market granted on 22 May 1241 may have been the same as that which flourished in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. On 16 Sept 1255, K Hen III granted the market to William de Valence, to be held at the manor (CChR, 1226–57, p. 449). In 1296, market tolls were worth 40s. The market was in decline in 1673 and had fallen into disuse by 1766 (VCH Oxfordshire, xiii, p. 38).
F (Charter) vf, Assumption (15 Aug); gr 22 May 1241, by K Hen III to Imbert Pugeis (CChR, 1226–57, p. 259). On 16 Sept 1255, K Hen III granted the fair to William de Valence, to be held at the manor (CChR, 1226–57, p. 449). Fair recorded in 1592. The date of the fair was changed to 26 Aug in 1756; it continued into the twentieth century (VCH Oxfordshire, xiii, p. 38).

BANBURY 4455 2403. Borough 1163x66 (BF, p. 147). 1334 Subsidy £266.63. The borough was established at an important estate centre of the bp of Lincoln. It may have been a significant ecclesiastical centre since the founding of the see of Dorchester in the seventh century. Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475). See also VCH Oxfordshire, x, pp. 6, 18, 58.
M (Prescriptive: borough) recorded 1138–9 (VCH Oxfordshire, x, p. 58). In 1156x61 (possibly in 1155) K Hen II granted the ch of St Mary, Lincoln and Robert de Kaisneto, bp of Lincoln, a Thurs market (forum) (Actes de Henri II, i, p. 311). Market noted in 1170 (PR, 16 Hen II, p. 153). In Jul 1238, the sh of Northamptonshire was ordered to read the bp of Lincoln’s charter prohibiting the market of Chipping Warden, Northamptonshire (q.v.) in full session of the county court and to prohibit the market if it was detrimental to the market at Banbury (CR, 1237–42, p. 73).
F (Charter) week of Pentecost (Easter dep); feria gr 1154x64, by K Hen II to ch of St Mary, Lincoln and Robert bp of Lincoln. To be held at the manor (Actes de Henri II, i, p. 355; CChR, 1327–41, p. 143). On 17 Nov 1329, K Edw III granted Henry, bp of Lincoln an extension of the fair held on Thurs and Fri in Whitsuntide by eight days (CChR, 1327–41, p. 136).
F (Prescriptive) vf, Ascension (Easter dep); recorded 17 Nov 1329, held by Henry, bp of Lincoln (CChR, 1327–41, p. 136). On 17 Nov 1329, K Edw III granted Henry, bp of Lincoln an extension of the fair by eight days.

BICESTER 4588 2223. 1334 Subsidy £164.88. The value for the 1334 Lay Subsidy relates to Market End. Bicester Kings End was a hamlet in Bicester parish, which was effectively an extension of Bicester Market End, although the two were administered separately. In the 1334 Lay Subsidy, Kings End was assessed at £78.87 (VCH Oxfordshire, vi, p. 19; Glasscock, p. 238). Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475). See also VCH Oxfordshire, vi, pp. 19, 31–6.
M (Charter) gr 20 Oct 1239, by K Hen III to William Lungspee. The roll is damaged and the day of the market is not given (CChR, 1226–57, p. 247). A Fri market was recorded in 1310, worth £1. Market recorded in 1349 (VCH Oxfordshire, vi, p. 32). On 1 Jun 1441, K Hen VI granted Robert Brooke, the king’s servant, a new market for his lifetime only. The day of the market was not given (CPR, 1436–41, p. 550). It is not clear how this market related to the existing Fri market. VCH suggests that both were held on Fri: the existing market remained in the Market Square, whilst the new market was established in Sheep Street. This market continued to be held by the lords of Market End manor (VCH Oxfordshire, vi, p. 33).
F (Charter) vfm, Edburga the Virgin (15 Jun); gr 20 Dec 1252, by K Hen III to William Lungspee (CChR, 1226–57, p. 413). To be held at the manor. The feast date is assumed to be that of St Edburga of Winchester.

BIGNELL 4558 2220. 1334 Subsidy £32.94. A hamlet in Bicester parish. It went into decline in the sixteenth century and has since disappeared. The grid references relate to Bignell House. See also VCH Oxfordshire, vi, pp. 23, 32–3.
M (Charter) Mon; gr 20 Oct 1377, by K Ric II to John de Worthe, kn. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1341–1417, p. 235). On 13 Jul 1439, K Hen VI confirmed the market to Humphrey, earl of Stafford and John Felmersham, new tenants of the manor (CPR, 1436–41, p. 288). On 2 Jul 1463, K Edw IV confirmed the market to John Stokes and Alice, his wife, the present tenants of the manor (CPR, 1461–7, p. 276).
F (Charter) vfm, James (25 Jul); gr 20 Oct 1377, by K Ric II to John de Worthe, kn. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1341–1417, p. 235). On 13 Jul 1439, K Hen VI confirmed the fair to Humphrey, earl of Stafford and John Felmersham, new tenants of the manor (CPR, 1436–41, p. 288). On 2 Jul 1463, K Edw IV confirmed the fair to John Stokes and Alice, his wife, the present tenants of the manor (CPR, 1461–7, p. 276).

BURFORD 4253 2124. Borough 1156 (BF, p. 147). 1334 Subsidy £147.12. Probably a small town by 1100, with a merchant guild and other privileges granted 1087x1107 (BF, p. 147). Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475).
M (Prescriptive: borough) mercatum recorded 1147x83 in a charter of William, earl of Gloucester, in which he confirmed the terms of a previous charter granted to Burford by Robert fitz Hamon in 1147x1155–8 (R.B. Patterson ed., Earldom of Gloucester Charters (Oxford, 1973), no. 43). On 14 Dec 1375, the market was held by Edward le Despenser recently deceased (CIPM, xiv, p. 218).
F (Charter) 7+f+8, Nativity of John (24 Jun); gr 3 Jul 1323, by K Edw II to Hugh le Despenser the younger (CChR, 1300–26, p. 453). To be held at the manor.

CHARLBURY 4355 2194. 1334 Subsidy £48.38. See also VCH Oxfordshire, x, pp. 144–6.
M (Charter) Mon; gr 7 Feb 1256, by K Hen III to A and C of Eynsham (H.E. Salter ed., Eynsham Cartulary, Oxford Historical Society, xlix (Oxford, 1907), i, no. 302). On 22 Feb 1440, it was stated that the A and C of Eynsham held a Mon market by charters of previous kings and that the market was found to be useless to the A, C and to the men and tenants of the manor on that day. As the charters had been surrendered to be cancelled, K Hen VI granted the A and C of Eynsham a Fri market in lieu (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 8). In the sixteenth century the market was very small scale; it may have fallen into disuse (VCH Oxfordshire, x, p. 145).
F (Charter) vf+2, Assumption (15 Aug); gr 7 Feb 1256, by K Hen III to A and C of Eynsham (H.E. Salter ed., Eynsham Cartulary, Oxford Historical Society, xlix (Oxford, 1907), i, no. 302). Fair ceased to function in the mid seventeenth century (VCH Oxfordshire, x, p. 145).

CHINNOR 4758 2009. Borough 1338 (BF, p. 147). 1334 Subsidy £106.06. Burgage plots are mentioned in 1338 and 1578–9, but the settlement seems to have been barely urban. See also VCH Oxfordshire, viii, pp. 55–80.
M (Prescriptive: borough). No further information for the market.

CHIPPING NORTON 4312 2273. Borough 1296 (BF, p. 147). 1334 Subsidy £220.75. Recorded as ‘Chepingnorthona’ in 1224 (M. Gelling, The Place Names of Oxfordshire (Cambridge, 1954), ii, p. 368). Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475).
M (Prescriptive: borough). No further information for the market.
F (Charter) f+3, Invention of the Holy Cross (3 May); feria gr 8 Sept 1204, by K John to William son of Alan (RCh, p. 136b). K Hen III granted the fair to John son of Alan on 26 Jan 1253; it was to be held on vf+2 Invention of the Holy Cross (CChR, 1226–57, p. 418).
F (Charter) vf+2, Barnabas (11 Jun); gr 21 Feb 1330, by K Edw III to Roger de Mortuo Mari, earl of March (CChR, 1327–41, p. 161). To be held at the manor.

CHURCHILL 4283 2241. 1334 Subsidy £160.06.
M (Charter) Fri; gr 14 Feb 1327, by K Edw III to Roger de Nouwers (CChR, 1327–41, p. 8). To be held at the manor.
F (Charter) vfm, Holy Trinity (Easter dep); gr 14 Feb 1327, by K Edw III to Roger de Nouwers (CChR, 1327–41, p. 8). To be held at the manor.

CROWMARSH GIFFARD 4615 1892. 1334 Subsidy £23.63.
M (Prescriptive) recorded 1155, mercatum. The market was prohibited by K Hen II in a charter to his burgesses of Wallingford, Berkshire (q.v.) (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 68). On 26 Oct 1214, the market was said to be damaging that at Wallingford and was ordered to be prohibited (RLC, i, p. 175). A case to decide whether the men of Isabella, countess of Oxford at Crowmarsh ought and were accustomed of old to hold a market de victualibus ut de pane et cervisia, said to be damaging to the market at Wallingford, was postponed in Nov 1229 (CR, 1227–31, p. 265). There were further complaints regarding Wallingford market in 1234 (VCH Berkshire, iii, pp. 533–4).

DEDDINGTON 4468 2317. Borough twelfth century (VCH Oxfordshire, xi, p. 105). 1334 Subsidy £142.75. Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475). See also VCH Oxfordshire, xi, pp. 84–5, 105.
M (Prescriptive: borough) Sat; recorded early fourteenth century. Burgage plots granted in the twelfth century are described as ‘chepeacreplaces’, which probably indicates a market. Sat market continued until the early nineteenth century (VCH Oxfordshire, xi, p. 105).
F (Charter) f+3, Trans of Swithun the bp (15 Jul); gr 26 Jun 1393, by K Ric II to warden and Ca of the free chapel in the castle of Windsor (CChR, 1341–1417, p. 337). Note by charter: ‘vacated because restored’.
F (Charter) f+3, Martin after the feast of All Saints (11 Nov); gr 26 Jun 1393, by K Ric II to warden and Ca of the free chapel in the castle of Windsor. Note by charter: ‘vacated because restored’ (CChR, 1341–1417, p. 337). Although the right to the fair appears to have been surrendered, a fair on Martinmas was held in 1591 and continued into the late nineteenth century (VCH Oxfordshire, xi, p. 105).

DRAYTON 4428 2416. 1334 Subsidy £25.13. See also VCH Oxfordshire, ix, p. 107.
F (Charter) vfm, Peter and Paul (29 Jun); gr 25 Jan 1329, by K Edw III to Robert de Ardern. To be held at the manor. The charter was vacated and the fair granted again by K Edw III to Robert de Arden on 3 Feb 1329 (CChR, 1327–41, pp. 117–18). According to VCH, the fair was not successful (VCH Oxfordshire, ix, p. 107).

DUNSTEW 4458 2284. 1334 Subsidy £49.25.
F (Charter) vfm, Matthew the Apostle (21 Sept); gr 3 Feb 1329, by K Edw III to Robert de Ardern (CChR, 1327–41, p. 118).

EYNSHAM 4433 2092. Borough 1215 (BF, p. 148). 1334 Subsidy £52. Monastic centre from early eleventh century. See also VCH Oxfordshire, xii, pp. 137–8.
M (Charter) Sun; gr 1135–40, mercatum, by K Steph to A and M of Eynsham (H.E. Salter ed., Eynsham Cartulary, Oxford Historical Society, xlix (Oxford, 1907), i, no. 30). Between 1154x66, K Hen II confirmed the grant of the market (H.E. Salter ed., Eynsham Cartulary, Oxford Historical Society, li (Oxford, 1908), ii, no. 702). On 16 Nov 1377, K Ric II confirmed this charter (CPR, 1377–81, p. 62). On 22 Feb 1440, it was stated that the A and M of Eynsham held the market by charters of previous kings and that the market was found to be useless to the A and C of Eynsham and to the men and tenants of the manor on that day. As the charters had been surrendered to be cancelled, K Hen VI granted the A and C of Eynsham a Mon market in lieu (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 8). There are no references to income from market tolls in the abbey accounts of the late medieval period. The market had probably ceased by the seventeenth century (VCH Oxfordshire, xii, p. 137).
F (Charter) Tues in Pentecost week until the eighth day (Easter dep); gr 1154x66, by K Hen II to A and M of Eynsham (H.E. Salter ed., Eynsham Cartulary, Oxford Historical Society, li (Oxford, 1908), ii, no. 702). On 16 Nov 1377, K Ric II confirmed this charter (CPR, 1377–81, p. 62). Fair had probably ceased by the seventeenth century (VCH Oxfordshire, xii, p. 137).
F (Charter) Assumption (15 Aug); feria gr 1154x66, by K Hen II to A and M of Eynsham (H.E. Salter ed., Eynsham Cartulary, Oxford Historical Society, li (Oxford, 1908), ii, no. 702). On 16 Nov 1377, K Ric II confirmed this charter (CPR, 1377–81, p. 62). Fair had probably ceased by the seventeenth century (VCH Oxfordshire, xii, p. 137).

GODSTOW 4477 2093. Grid references refer to the remains of Godstow nunnery, founded in or before 1133. See also VCH Oxfordshire, xii, pp. 318–19 .
F (Charter) John the Baptist (29 Aug); feria, gr 1141x42, by Matilda the Empress to ch of St Mary and St John the Baptist and the M of Godstow (Regesta, iii, no. 368). In 1143, the Empress Matilda confirmed the fair to the ch of St Mary and St John the Baptist and the M of Godstow. When confirmed by Matilda the feast was given as the 'natale' of John the Baptist (29 Aug) (Regesta, iii, no. 371). K Hen II later confirmed the charter. This was inspected by K Edw II on 27 Dec 1316 (CChR, 1300–26, p. 330). Fair recorded in 1279 and perhaps in 1390; there is no later evidence (VCH Oxfordshire, xii, pp. 318–19).

GREAT HASELEY 4645 2017. 1334 Subsidy £38.25.
M (Letter Close) Mon; mercatum, gr 15 Feb 1228, by K Hen III to Ralph son of Nicholas. To be held at the manor, which was held by William Pipard, whose heir and land the king had granted to Ralph. Mandate to the sh of Oxford (CR, 1227–31, p. 20).
F (Letter Close) vfm, Peter and Paul the Apostles (29 Jun); feria gr 15 Feb 1228, by K Hen III to Ralph son of Nicholas. To be held at the manor, which was held by William Pipard, whose heir and land the king had granted to Ralph. Mandate to the sh of Oxford (CR, 1227–31, p. 20).
The grant was not made to the heirs and successors of Ralph and presumably was only intended to last as long as he held the manor, whilst the Pipard heir was a minor in his custody.

GREAT ROLLRIGHT 4327 2315. 1334 Subsidy £112.81.
M (Charter) Fri; gr 3 Jan 1253, by K Hen III to Adam le Despenser son of Thurstan le Despenser (CChR, 1226–57, p. 414).
F (Charter) vfm, Andrew (30 Nov); gr 3 Jan 1253, by K Hen III to Adam le Despenser son of Thurstan le Despenser (CChR, 1226–57, p. 414).

HENLEY ON THAMES 4763 1826. Borough 1179 (BF, p. 148). 1334 Subsidy £60.25. The earliest reference to Henley dates from 1179. A bridge was built over the river Thames here by 1234. By the mid thirteenth century, Henley on Thames appears to have succeeded Wallingford, Berkshire (q.v.) as the principal market and transhipment point on the middle and upper Thames. By 1300, Henley was a major grain market for London (B.M.S. Campbell, J.A. Galloway, D. Keene, and M. Murphy, A medieval capital and its grain supply: agrarian production and distribution in the London region c.1300 (Historical Geography Research Series no. 30, 1993); Beresford, p. 476). Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475). Fair 1587, 24 Feb (Harrison, p. 393).
M (Prescriptive: borough) recorded 1297 (M. Midgley ed., Ministers Accounts of the Earldom of Cornwall, 1296–7, i, Camden third series, lxvi (London, 1942), p. 91). In 1297, the toll for the market, the day of which was not given, was 18s. 8½d.
F (Grant: other) v+2, Decollation of John the Baptist (29 Aug); gr 1199x1216, by K John to Robert de Harecort (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 7). In 1297, the toll for the fair was 3s. 10½d. (M. Midgley ed., Ministers Accounts of the Earldom of Cornwall, 1296–7, i, Camden Third Series, lxvi (London, 1942), p. 91). Charter surrendered to be cancelled on 6 Feb 1440 (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 7).
F (Charter) v+2, Matthias the apostle in February (24 Feb); gr 6 Feb 1440, by K Hen VI to Robert Hungerford, esquire and Eleanor his wife, lady of Moleyns (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 7). Robert and Eleanor were tenants of the town, in the right of Eleanor.
F (Charter) v+2, Corpus Christi (Easter dep); gr 6 Feb 1440, by K Hen VI to Robert Hungerford, esquire and Eleanor his wife, lady of Moleyns (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 7). Robert and Eleanor were tenants of the town, in the right of Eleanor.

HOOK NORTON 4355 2331. 1334 Subsidy £130.31. Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475).
M (Charter) Tues; gr 8 May 1438, by K Hen VI to William, earl of Suffolk, the king’s cousin (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 2). To be held at the town.
F (Charter) f, Peter and Paul in the Summer (29 Jun); gr 8 May 1438, by K Hen VI to William, earl of Suffolk, the king’s cousin (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 2). To be held at the town.
F (Charter) f, Hugh in the Winter (17 Nov); gr 8 May 1438, by K Hen VI to William, earl of Suffolk, the king’s cousin (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 2). To be held at the town.

ISLIP 4527 2141. 1334 Subsidy £92. See also VCH Oxfordshire, vi, p. 207.
M (Charter) Thurs; gr 2 Jul 1245, by K Hen III to ch of St Peter, Westminster, the glorious K Edw [the Confessor] A Richard and the M (CChR, 1226–57, p. 286). Market granted by K Edw III to the A and C of Westminster on 3 Nov 1364 (CChR, 1341–1417, p. 190). VCH provides no further information regarding the market.
F (Charter) f+3, Trans of Edw (13 Oct); gr 2 Jul 1245, by K Hen III to ch of St Peter, Westminster, the glorious K Edw [the Confessor] A Richard and the M (CChR, 1226–57, p. 286). Fair granted by K Edw III to the A and C of Westminster on 3 Nov 1364 (CChR, 1341–1417, p. 190). VCH provides no further information regarding the fair.

NORTH LEIGH 4387 2137. 1334 Subsidy £73.31. See also VCH Oxfordshire, xii, pp. 213–38.
M (Prescriptive) recorded 8 May 1382, held by A and M of St Edward now called Lettele [Netley Abbey]. On 8 May 1382, the abbey was to have its markets and the markets of its men at North Leigh and at other places, implying that there was at least one market at North Leigh (CCR, 1381–5, p. 58). For the other places, see Friar Waddon and Ashley, Dorset; East Wellow, Hound, Netley, Totton, Hampshire; Gomshall, Surrey and Kingston Deverill, Latton, Wiltshire (q.v.). VCH does not mention a market at North Leigh (VCH Oxfordshire, xii, pp. 213–38).

Nuffield, see THELSFORD (Warwickshire)

OXFORD 4511 2064. Borough early tenth century (Defence, pp. 211–12). Mint ante 924–1154. 1334 Subsidy £913.92: the value is the total assessment for Oxford and its suburbs. Although there is evidence for earlier settlement, Oxford probably emerged as an urban centre and defended place in the late ninth century. It was noted in the Burghal Hidage. Capital of a shire in 1011. Borough and civitas in Domesday Book (Defence, pp. 211–12; Darby, p. 366; BF, p. 148). Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475). Fair 1587, 7 May; 17 Oct (Harrison, pp. 393, 396). See also VCH Oxfordshire, iv, pp. 305–12.
M (Prescriptive: borough, mint) recorded mid twelfth century (VCH Oxfordshire, iv, p. 305). Market held twice weekly by 1279, probably on Wed and Sat, as it was held in the early fourteenth century (with an extra Sun market at harvest time). Although by the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries markets were held every day, Wed and Sat remained the most important days (VCH Oxfordshire, iv, p. 305).
F (Grant: other) v+6, Trans of Benedict (11 Jul); gr 1122, by K Hen I to St Frideswide’s monastery. To be held in the city and suburb (Regesta, ii, no. 1345). VCH states that the fair predates this grant (VCH Oxfordshire, iv, p. 310). A seven day fair held by the Ca of St Frideswide’s on feast of Benedict was mentioned in 1136–37 (Regesta, iii, no. 641). Empress Matilda confirmed the fair in 1141–2 (Regesta, iii, no. 645). This is presumably the same fair held by the Ca noted in 1155, 1157, 1159–64 (PR, 2–3–4 Hen II, pp. 36, 149; PR, 5 Hen II, p. 34; PR, 6 Hen II, p. 8; PR, 7 Hen II, p. 25; PR, 8 Hen II, p. 26; PR, 9 Hen II, p. 47; PR, 10 Hen II, p. 7). In 1190, the P of St Frideswide’s paid £20 for having ‘their fair’. Presumably this was a payment for the recognition of the existing fair (PR, 2 Ric I, p. 14). On 29 Sept 1199, K John confirmed to the ch of St Frideswide and the Ca their fair, the feast of which was not given (RCh, p. 23b). On 28 Feb 1228, K Hen III granted the P and Ca of St Frideswide’s a fair on vf+5 Frideswide (19 Oct) in lieu of that formerly held there on vf+5 Trans of St Benedict (CChR, 1226–57, p. 70). This charter was conf by K Edw III on 24 Jul 1332 (CChR, 1327–41, p. 282). Mandate to the chancellor and proctors of the university of Oxford to allow the P of St Frideswide’s, Oxford, to have the fair, 19 Oct 1382 (CCR, 1381–85, p. 164). Fair was still held at the time of the dissolution, when it was sold to the city. Despite being ‘decayed’ in 1600, it continued in a greatly reduced state until the mid nineteenth century (VCH Oxfordshire, iv, p. 311).
F (Letter Patent) vf+4, John before the Latin gate (6 May); gr 8 Mar 1474, by K Edw IV to P and friars of the order of hermits of St Augustine in the suburbs of Oxford. To be held on the soil adjoining their ch in the suburbs (CPR, 1467–77, p. 438). Fair continued at the time of the dissolution, but fell into disuse during the seventeenth century (VCH Oxfordshire, iv, p. 311).

RADCOT 4278 2000. 1334 Subsidy £72.25.
M (Charter) Fri; gr 20 Jul 1272, by K Hen III to Matthias Bezill, king’s yeoman (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 183). To be held at the manor.
F (Charter) vfm, Exaltation of the Cross (14 Sept); gr 20 Jul 1272, by K Hen III to Matthias Bezill, king’s yeoman (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 183). To be held at the manor.

SANDFORD ON THAMES 4534 2018. 1334 Subsidy £56.37.
F (Letter Patent) gr 16 May 1389, by K Ric II to Thomas Armner, the king’s servant (CPR, 1388–92, p. 46). Fair was granted to Thomas for life, or until further order. No details of the fair were given. Note by charter: ‘vacated by surrender and cancelled, as the king granted the fair to William Wynselowe for life on 12 Jul [1389]’.

SHIPTON ON CHERWELL 4480 2165. 1334 Subsidy £68. See also VCH Oxfordshire, xii, p. 263.
F (Charter) vfm, Invention of the Cross (3 May); gr 2 Jul 1268, by K Hen III to Thomas de Sancto Vigore. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 100). There is no further evidence for the fair (VCH Oxfordshire, xii, p. 263).

STANDLAKE 4398 2036. 1334 Subsidy £161.63. See also VCH Oxfordshire, xiii, p. 191.
M (Charter) Fri; gr 11 Apr 1230, by K Hen III to Eva de Grey. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1226–57, p. 121). Mandate to sh of Oxford to proclaim the market and cause it to be held, 27 Apr 1230 (CR, 1227–31, p. 348). The market was recorded in 1279 and 1303. It was in decline in 1461 and the 1480s and an attempt was made to revive it in c.1488–9. It is last mentioned in 1500 (VCH Oxfordshire, xiii, p. 191).
F (Charter) vfm, Giles (1 Sept); gr 11 Apr 1230, by K Hen III to Eva de Grey. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1226–57, p. 121). Mandate to sh of Oxford to proclaim the fair and cause it to be held, 27 Apr 1230 (CR, 1227–31, p. 348). By 1279, the fair was only held on two days. It may have fallen into disuse soon after (VCH Oxfordshire, xiii, p. 191).

STONEY MIDDLETON 4531 2233. Borough 1279 (BF, supplement, p. 63). 1334 Subsidy £71.75. The manor passed from the Camville family to the Longspees and then to the Lacys (VCH Oxfordshire, vi, p. 245). See also VCH Oxfordshire, vi, pp. 243, 245.
M (Grant: other) gr 1201, by K John to Gerard de Camville (VCH Oxfordshire, vi, p. 245).
M (Charter) Mon; gr 6 Jun 1294, by K Edw I to Henry de Lacy, earl of Lincoln (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 436). To be held at the manor.
F (Charter) vf, Trans of Thomas the Martyr (7 Jul); gr 6 Jun 1294, by K Edw I to Henry de Lacy, earl of Lincoln (CChR, 1257–1300, p. 436). To be held at the manor.

STRATTON AUDLEY 4608 2261. See also VCH Oxfordshire, vi, p. 328.
M (Charter) Thurs; gr 20 Jul 1318, by K Edw II to Hugh de Audele, the elder. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1300–26, p. 389). There is no further evidence for the market (VCH Oxfordshire, vi, p. 328).
F (Charter) vfm, Exaltation of the Cross (14 Sept); gr 20 Jul 1318, by K Edw II to Hugh de Audele, the elder. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1300–26, p. 389). There is no further evidence for the fair (VCH Oxfordshire, vi, p. 328).

SWYNCOMBE 4683 1902. 1334 Subsidy £16.50.
F (Charter) vfm, Botolph (17 Jun); feria gr 22 Mar 1203, by K John to A and M of Bec. Note by charter: charter sealed in the fourth regnal year, but liberated in the fifth regnal year because the A of Bec did not have enough money to claim this charter (RCh, p. 117b). At Michaelmas 1203, the A of Bec paid 5m. for a palfrey for a fair on f+2 Botolph (PR, 5 John, p. 95). On 4 Jun 1227, it was said that K John had granted the A and M of Bec a fair on vfm Botolph by charter. The fair was alleged to be damaging that at Wallingford, Berkshire (q.v.) which was held on the same days and therefore the custodian of the honor of Wallingford was ordered to prohibit it (RLC, ii, p. 188b).
F (Charter) vfm, Trans of Martin (4 Jul); gr 13 Feb 1227, by K Hen III to A and M of Bec. Granted pursuant to a charter of K John. The feast of Botolph had been crossed out and the translation of Martin inserted (CChR, 1226–57, p. 8). On 15 Feb 1227, the sh of Oxfordshire was ordered to proclaim the fair and cause it to be held; the feast of Botolph had been crossed out and the translation of Martin inserted instead (RLC, ii, p. 171). On 11 Sept 1234, the sh of Oxfordshire was ordered to proclaim that the fair the king had conceded by charter to the A of Bec on vfm Martin would be held on vfm Trans of Thomas the Martyr (7 Jul) henceforth (CR, 1231–4, p. 515).

THAME 4704 2062. Borough 1230x34 (BF, p. 148). 1334 Subsidy £137. Manor of Thame belonged to the bp of Lincoln in Domesday Book. In 1139–40, Bp Alexander of Lincoln established a Cistercian abbey here; in 1146, he added a prebendal household. In 1219, the bp was given licence to divert the main road down the centre of Thame high street (Beresford, p. 477). Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475). See also VCH Oxfordshire, vii, p. 178–86.
M (Prescriptive: borough) Tues; recorded 1183–4, held by Walter de Coutances, bp of Lincoln (VCH Oxfordshire, vii, pp. 178–9). Bp Hugh’s market recorded in 1221, when it encroached on the king’s highway (Beresford, p. 477). In 1302, John Dalderby, bp of Lincoln successfully requested the removal of the charter granting a market at Haddenham, Buckinghamshire (q.v.), presumably because this was damaging his own market at Thame. Market continued into the twentieth century (VCH Oxfordshire, vii, pp. 179, 185).

WATLINGTON 4685 1947. 1334 Subsidy £79.50. Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475). See also VCH Oxfordshire, viii, p. 232.
M (Charter) Wed; gr 20 Jun 1252, by K Hen III to Richard, earl of Cornwall (CChR, 1226–57, p. 393).
M (Charter) Sat; gr 29 Jul 1302, by K Edw I to Roger le Bigod, earl of Norfolk and marshal of England and the heirs of his body. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1300–26, p. 26). Market continued into the mid nineteenth century, but fell into disuse soon after (VCH Oxfordshire, viii, p. 232).
F (Charter) vfm, Assumption (15 Aug); gr 29 Jul 1302, by K Edw I to Roger le Bigod, earl of Norfolk and marshall of England (CChR, 1300–26, p. 26). To be held at the manor.
In 1718, a fair on the feast of Bartholomew (24 Aug) was recorded (VCH Oxfordshire, viii, p. 232).

WHITCHURCH ON THAMES 4635 1771. 1334 Subsidy £55.31.
M (Charter) Mon; gr 7 Sept 1245, by K Hen III to H de Vere, earl of Oxford (CChR, 1226–57, p. 287). To be held at the manor.
F (Charter) vfm, John the Evangelist in May (6 May); gr 7 Sept 1245, by K Hen III to H de Vere, earl of Oxford (CChR, 1226–57, p. 287).

WITNEY 4356 2092. Borough 1208x09 (BF, p. 149). 1334 Subsidy £178.88. Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475). See also Newtown (Isle of Wight), Hampshire (q.v.).
M (Prescriptive: borough). No further evidence for the market.
F (Charter) f+3, Ascension of the Lord (Easter dep); gr 1 May 1202, by K John to Godfrey, bp of Winchester (CChR, 1300–26, p. 349). On 4 Jul 1317, K Edw II granted to John, bp of Winchester, that he should have the fair, notwithstanding that it ‘had not been used hitherto’ (CChR, 1300–26, p. 350).
F (Charter) vfm+2, Leonard (6 Nov); gr 18 Oct 1231, by K Hen III to P[eter] bp of Winchester. To be held at the manor (CChR, 1226–57, p. 140). Mandate to the sh of Oxford to proclaim the fair and cause it to be held, 18 Oct 1231 (CR, 1227–31, p. 571).
F (Charter) vf, Clement the Pope (23 Nov); gr 26 Sept 1414, by K Hen V to Henry bp of Winchester, the king’s uncle (CChR, 1341–1417, p. 467).
F (Charter) f+4 Barnabas (11 Jun); gr 26 Sept 1414, by K Hen V to Henry bp of Winchester (CChR, 1341–1417, p. 467).

WOODSTOCK 4444 2167. Borough 1230 (BF, p. 149). 1334 Subsidy £38.29. Woodstock was an Anglo-Saxon royal hunting lodge. New Woodstock was founded in the late twelfth century, adjacent to a royal residence (VCH Oxfordshire, xii, pp. 325, 333). Beresford states that K John gave a fair here (Beresford, p. 478). Market town c.1600 (Everitt, p. 475). See also VCH Oxfordshire, xii, pp. 326, 328–9, 369–72.
M (Grant: other) Tues; gr 1154x89 by K Hen II (RH, ii, p. 839). In 1207, Geoffrey Salvagius owed 20m. for having the market (PR, 9 John, pp. 44–5). In 1208, it was stated that he ought not to be summoned for the 20m., because Reginald le turnur paid the fine thereafter and had the market (PR, 10 John, p. 136). Tues market continued until 1852, after which it declined (VCH Oxfordshire, xii, p. 370).
F (Letter Close) vfm, Mathew the Apostle (21 Sept); feria, gr 8 Sept 1250, by K Hen III. To be held at the king’s manor. Mandate to the sh of Oxfordshire to proclaim the fair and cause it to be held (CR, 1247–51, p. 320). On 14 Nov 1319, the sh of Oxfordshire was ordered to extend the king’s fair from two days to 8+f+8 Matthew (CCR, 1318–22, p. 166). On 24 May 1453, K Hen VI granted a fair on 2+f+2 Matthew the apostle to the mayor and commonalty of Woodstock (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 127). Fair was held in the early seventeenth century. After the calendar change of 1752, the fair was held on 2 Oct. Fair survived until the mid nineteenth century (VCH Oxfordshire, xii, p. 370).
F (Prescriptive) Mary Magdalene (22 Jul); recorded 14 Nov 1319, held by K Edw II. On 14 Nov 1319, the sh of Oxfordshire was ordered to extend the king’s fair from two days to 8+f+8 Mary Magdalen (CCR, 1318–22, p. 166). On 24 May 1453, K Hen VI granted the mayor and commonalty of Woodstock a fair on 2+f+2 Mary Magdalene (CChR, 1427–1516, p. 127). Fair was held in the early seventeenth century. After the calendar change of 1752, the fair was held on 2 Aug. Fair survived until the mid nineteenth century (VCH Oxfordshire, xii, p. 370).

Back to Gazetteer Home

Centre for Metropolitan History Home