The hamlet of Fencott is one of the 'Seven Towns of Otmoor', and was first mentioned in around 1098 AD, when Roger D'Ivry died, and it was recorded that he had 'a mansion at Fencot, on the borders of Otmore'.

Being situated very close to the main Roman road, Fencott was more than likely occupied by them (and subsequently the Saxons) long before D'Ivry's time.

According to 'The History, Gazzateer & Directory of the County of Oxford' (publied in 1852): "Fencott and Murcott are two hamlets close to Charlton, and nearly joining each other. They each consist of a few farmhouses and cottages. The Dean and chapter of Westminster are the Lords of the Manor. There is a small primitive Methodist Chapel at Murcott. In cutting a drain at Fencott, Roman pottery was found."

The second image below details a few of Fencott's residents at that time, including the Colletts (who are relatives of mine! Richard Collett mentioned here may well have been the brother of one of my direct ancestors!).

Fencott didn't have its own church, so its inhabitants would walk the approximately 1 mile distance to Charlton in order to attend worship, as well as for baptisms, marriages and burials. Methodist villagers would use the Chapel at Murcott.

Although they lacked a church, Fencott did have its own public house - 'The Black Bull'. The pub no longer exists, but Black Bull Lane was named in its honour, and I believe that it was once situated somewhere along the road.

A Roman-era timber bridge was unearthed at Ivy Farm in Fencott, evidencing the aforementioned Roman occupation of the area.

The village takes its name from the Old English word 'faen', meaning 'fen' or 'marsh' (referencing the hamlet's close proximity to Otmoor), and 'cot' meaning 'cottages' or 'shelter'.

The old map in the first picture is courtesy of the Francis Frith collection, but I am unsure of the date.