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The village is situated three quarters of a mile above the town of Chipping
Norton. The first dated record, in the 12th century, is in connection with Cold
Norton Priory, so called because of its bleak situation.
In 1559 some priory buildings were let, including the Chapel on the Heath,
situated off what was then the main road from Oxford and signposted to Heythrop
at the present time. A secret passage was known to exist, but was thought to
have been used only until the last prior died. Legend says that goods from
coaches robbed by highwaymen were taken underground, unsuspected by the sheriff.
The chapel was eventually demolished and an inn named the Shakespeares Head
took its place. Although Shakespeare may have used this road from Stratford it
is doubtful whether he stayed there.
Other roads, or dust tracks, came into use, including the Woolway from Great
Rollright. This route would be taken by Cotswold sheep, famous for their quality
wool. The ancient Salt Way also crossed Over Norton from the west to avoid the
toll area.
The first mention of the Dawkins family in the early 18th century occurs when
James Dawkins lived in the village. He was Member of Parliament for Woodstock
from 173447. The Dawkins were local landowners and James, born in Jamaica in
1696, died, unmarried, in 1766 and is buried in the family vault in Chipping
Norton church.
Over Norton Park was inherited by a nephew, Henry Dawkins, who was also a Member
of Parliament. The house was rebuilt in Tudor style in 1879, standing in
well-wooded grounds of some 90 acres. At that time the village population was
242 souls. On the death of Henry Dawkins in 1864, a memorial drinking fountain
was built as a tribute from the family to Henry and his wife Emma.
Some considerable interest was taken in Over Norton Park in 1891 when geological
exploration was carried out regarding the likelihood of a coal seam being
present. A report for Lt Col W. G. Dawkins produced a suggestion for further
investigation, but no more is known about the enterprise. Previously, records of
quarrying in the area of Hit or Miss Wood mention a site where stone may have
been obtained for the building of Chipping Norton properties.
Before approximately 1878 there were no ovens in the village as food was cooked
above the fire. About this time the bakery was a welcome addition to the
village, selling groceries and providing a cooking service for the villagers.
Yorkshire puddings cost ld, and 11/2d for pies; these were sometimes delivered
by the children. The population of the village was 440 in 1881. In 1887 the
Great Western Railway Corporation opened a single line between Banbury and
Chipping Norton, providing work for the villagers.
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