The village of Ludgershall lies just over the border, in Buckinghamshire - roughly 7 miles from Bicester.

The origins of the village's name are disputed, but historians believe that it may be derived from Old English, meaning 'nook with a trapping spear'. In 1086, the Domesday Book recorded it as 'Litlegarsele'.

The Roman road known as Akeman Street passes through the north of the parish, forming part of the boundary.

A church has existed in Ludgershall since at least the 13th century, although it was rebuilt in the following century, and dedicated to The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. The tower was erected during the 15th century, and various other alterations and extensions have been made since then. Inside the chancel lies the tomb of Anne, wife of Michael English - the then Sheriff of London - who died in the village in 1565, aged 95, along with some others pertaining to the Gyfford and Neele families. There is also a mural within the church, dedicated to the prominent Spiers family.

Many of the cottages on either side of the High Street are 17th century in origin, and two pubs - The Five Bells and White Hart Inns - also date back to this period.

Historically, two hamlets known as Kingswood and Tetchwick were included within the parish of Ludgershall; in the latter, there still exists an irregular quandrangular moat. In Kingswood, Mercer's Farm was owned by the wealthy and influential Mercer family of London for around 200 years. Kingswood was formerly covered by part of nearby Bernwood Forest, and is often associated with 'Fair Rosamund' in local folklore - a lane which runs between these woods and the main forest was known as 'Rosiman's Waye', according to an old map.

Prior to the Norman Conquest, the manor of Ludgershall was held by a Saxon called Eddeva, on behalf of Queen Edith (wife of Edward the Confessor). Following the Conquest, it was held by the de Traillys as part of their barony. Other notable manorial families include the de Morteyns, the Touchets, the de Handlos, and the le Despencers.

The modern village has shrunk somewhat since medieval times, and the earthwork remains of the older and larger settlement are still visible, along with the remains of another settlement east of Kingham's Farm.

Waste from a 15th century pottery kiln was found on land next to a house known as Clovelly, on Duck Lane, in 2000. In Dovehouse Field, the remnants of a medieval moat were discovered, with local tradition claiming that it was once the site of a hall belonging to a pre-Roman monarch called King Ludd, from whom the village may have taken its name. Despite the village's close proximity to Akeman Street, no Roman archaeology has been found.

With regards to the aforementioned hall, some historians believe that it may actually have been owned by Lady de St Armand, and that it was destroyed during the wars which occurred during the reign of King Edward I. Another moat or fishpond was found in the same field, along with what appeared to have been a dovecote, which perhaps explains the name of the field in question.

Although the exact location cannot be verified, a medieval hospital known as Santingfield is believed to have existed in Friar's Mead; it may have been founded prior to 1236, and dissolved circa 1414. In nearby Mill Knob Field, a mound where a windmill possibly once sat marks the site where one was recorded in the 15th and 16th centuries. Another may have existed near Rookery End.

Bury Court - a medieval/post-medieval country house - was once located in Ludgershall; this reportedly fell down sometime during the 19th century. Aerial photographs of the area do indeed show a raised platform, suggesting that the building may have stood on that spot.

On the Piddington Road, a small 'witchert cottage' (meaning that it was constructed out of chalk and clay) known as 'The Kya' once existed, athough it was demolished in 2002. This dwelling dated back to the 16th century. Tree ring dating using the timbers from the roof showed that the trees used in its construction were felled in 1569.

When the Black Death arrived in 1349, historians estimate that the Ludgershall death toll could have been as high as 100 - naturally, this would have devastated the tiny community.

The map of the village below is courtesy of Buckinghamshire Genealogical Society.