Marston, Oxfordshire: A Brief History 

Situated roughly 2 miles from the centre of Oxford is the village of Marston - commonly referred to as 'Old Marston', in order to distinguish it from the more modern nearby suburb of New Marston.

Marston's name is derived from Old English, meaning 'marsh-town'; this refers to its low-lying position, which is liable to flooding. In early times, the hamlet would've practically been an island in the middle of boggy pasture land.

Historically, Marston was part of the Manor of Headington, and was first mentioned by name in 1122. Very little in the way of archaeological finds have been unearthed in the village, aside from some largely insignificant Paleolithic artefacts.

Because Marston was nestled within the once vast Bernwood Forest - an ancient Royal hunting ground - the village's tenants had Rights of Common, allowing them to graze their livestock in the forest.

In 1279, eight people were recorded as living in part of the hamlet known as 'Buriende' ('Bury End', an Old English term meaning 'fortified place'); this has led historians to suspect that there may well have been some sort of fortification in the village, although no other evidence of this has been discovered thus far.

A chapel was first mentioned alongside the village's name in 1122, and this modest place of worship eventually evolved to become St Nicholas' Church, which still stands to this day. The current building was constructed on the site of the original chapel in the latter half of the 12th century, with additions being made circa the 15th century.

Marston played a pivotal role in the English Civil War, when Parliamentarian troops led by Sir Robert Fairfax were stationed in the village. These soldiers would use the church tower as a lookout, as it offered great views over what is now known as the University Parks (Oxford) - perfect for spying on the Royalist enemy's artillery positions!

Oliver Cromwell himself visited Fairfax in Marston, and the Treaty of the Surrender of Oxford was signed at Manor House (since renamed as Cromwell House) in 1646.

Some surnames of notable 16th and 17th century  yeoman families who called Marston home include Ewen, Perne, Hopes, Sims, Bleay and Loder.

A mill was recorded as being in the village in 1279; it was held by John de Molendino, who leased it from prominent landowner Hugh de Plescy. Another was built on or close to the site of the original mill in 1398, but this had disappeared by 1423.

By 1801, Marston was comprised of 45 dwelling houses, shared between a whopping 264 residents. At this time, the rather industrious innkeeper also worked as a farmer, and ran the village bakery. Two years later, the number of paupers in the village was almost double that of the average for the rest of the Bullingdon Hundred, of which it was a part.

Above: Cromwell House, Marston (left), taken before 1912. The house beside it has since been demolished. Source: www.headington.org.uk