Local History

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Local History

The first documentary reference to Bicester is the Domesday survey of 1086 when it is recorded as Berencestra.

The name Bicester has been in use since the mid 17th century. Theories for the meaning of the name include "of Beorna" (a personal name), "The Fort of the Warriors" or literally from Latin Bi-cester meaning Two Forts.

Bicester Town

The town was granted its first market in 1239 trading wool, leather, lace, chair making, straw-plaiting and printing.

In the 18th century the town was a well known centre for horse racing and later for fox hunting. As a result craft specialists including farriers, saddle and harness makers, horse clippers, ostlers, grooms and equestrian tailors became a feature of town trade.

The Ordnance Depot was established in Bicester in 1941 and is the clothing depot for the whole of the British Army.

Between 1961 and 1971 the town’s population double. By 1981 it had a risen a further 30% to 16,000 and has continued to rise to the current 30,000.

Bicester Local History Society meets every month in St Edburg’s Church Hall. To find out more contact Sally James – info@blhs.org.uk

All images are © Oxfordshire County Council Photographic Archive. Visit their website at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/heritagesearch