Exploring Oxfordshire Surnames: People, Places and Lives

Exploring Oxfordshire Surnames: People, Places, and Lives is a collection of chapters by experts and enthusiasts that offers diverse perspectives on the people and surnames of Oxfordshire, using case studies and fascinating sources to uncover stories about specific surnames and their families. The book is aimed at anyone interested in family history, local history, village life, or surname studies, with fully illustrated chapters on various topics such as coopers, village life, Roman Catholics, Methodists, Quakers, migration, medieval names, population profiles, advertising, surname variants, and place names. It provides suggestions for further research and is relevant to family historians worldwide.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Exploring Oxfordshire Surnames: People, Places, and Lives is a captivating volume that comprises a series of chapters authored by experts and enthusiasts from various fields, offering diverse perspectives on the people and surnames of Oxfordshire. The authors employ case studies and a diverse array of intriguing sources to shed light on the stories associated with specific Oxfordshire surnames and the families who have borne them.

What constitutes an Oxfordshire surname? Do you possess Oxfordshire DNA? When and why did your ancestors arrive in or depart from Oxfordshire? Discover the answers to these questions and more by reading this book!

Fully illustrated throughout, this book caters to a wide range of interests, including family history, local history, village life, and surname studies. It comprises chapters dedicated to coopers, the essence of Oxfordshire village life, Roman Catholics, Methodists, Quakers, and migration within and around Oxfordshire.

A particularly insightful chapter delves into the realm of medieval names, providing a detailed examination of two areas of the county prior to the hereditary adoption of surnames. It traces the origins and meanings of these names, shedding light on the historical context in which they emerged.

Another chapter focuses on the population of Oxfordshire, analyzing the profiles of selected Oxfordshire surnames over time. By utilizing the parish records of our ancestors' baptisms and burials, the authors meticulously plot their geographical spread, peaks, and troughs, as well as their growth or decline. This chapter offers valuable insights into the demographic trends of the past.

A chapter on advertising presents readers with fresh avenues to explore in their search for their ancestors. It encourages them to discover photographs of family members engaged in their daily business activities, delivering their wares, or standing proudly in front of their shops. This chapter offers a unique perspective on uncovering ancestral connections through visual evidence.

The discussion of surname variants and surnames derived from place names holds broader appeal, and the suggestions for further research provided are relevant to family historians across the globe.

In conclusion, Exploring Oxfordshire Surnames: People, Places, and Lives is a must-read for anyone with an interest in family history, local history, village life, or surname studies. It offers a wealth of information and insights, providing a comprehensive exploration of the people and surnames of Oxfordshire. Through its engaging chapters and captivating illustrations, this book invites readers to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Oxfordshire's past and uncover the fascinating stories that lie within its surnames.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803132037