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Universal British Directory, 1791

Bampton

BAMPTON is a market-town, pleasently situated on a small stream that runs into the river Isis, a little below the town, distant from London seventy miles. It is said by some writers to have been a place of good repute even before the conquest; but at present there is not a building in the town that merits the notice of a traveller, except the church and the remains of an old castle; the former of which is a very spacious lofty edifice with a large spire, and a peal of six fine bells. But what is most worthy of remark is there are three vicars or portionists belonging to the church, whose separate livings amount to about 230l. per ann. the parish of consequence therefore is very extensive, consisting of six hamlets, in one of which is aneat little church, where service is performed every Sunday by ine of the said vicars. It has a good fair for horses held on the 26th og August; but the weekly market which was formerly on a Wednesday, has been long discontinued. There are two turnpike roads through the town, which are kept in excellent repair, the one leading from Witney to Farringdon, Berks, the other from Burford to Buckland in the said county of Berks, where it joins the great Western road from London to Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, &c. The inhabitants consist chiefly of farmers and a numerous poor, with several gentlemen, and some reputabl tradesmen. There is a charity-school for twenty poor children of the two neighbouring villages, Aston and Coat. The following are the principle inhabitants: