Appleton-with-Eaton

Did Appleton-with-Eaton always reside in Oxfordshire? No. This quaint parish, southwest of Oxford, was originally part of Berkshire. It officially became part of Oxfordshire in 1974 due to boundary changes. Appleton-with-Eaton sits on the east bank of the River Thames and encompasses the villages of Appleton and Eaton. The 2011 census revealed a population of 915, a slight increase from the previous decade. Imagine standing here in Appleton-with-Eaton, a place steeped in history, dating back to before the Norman Conquest. Appleton was once a royal manor, partially owned by King Edward the Confessor. Following the Norman Conquest, Appleton-with-Eaton suffered significant damage from the invading armies. The Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded Appleton as “Apletone,” reflects this destruction. The village’s value plummeted from 180 shillings in 1066 to a mere 110 shillings two decades later. The Domesday Book also noted Appleton’s impressive fishery, deemed the most valuable in Berkshire at the time. It was worth a substantial 34 shillings and twopence. Now, let’s delve deeper into Appleton itself. The name, meaning “an orchard” or “the tun where apples grow,” evolved over centuries from “Aeppeltune” in 942 to variations like “Apeltun,” “Eppelton,” “Aspelton,” “Appulton,” and even “Appyltone.” Within Appleton lies the Church of England parish church of Saint Laurence. The church boasts a blend of architectural styles, with its oldest sections originating from the 12th-century Norman period. Later additions include the north aisle, a 14th-century east window, and a 15th-century bell tower. Appleton also holds a unique distinction in the world of bell-ringing. Alfred White established White’s of Appleton in 1824, a company specializing in hanging church bells. Remarkably, White’s of Appleton remains the oldest bellhanging company still operating in the UK today. In Appleton-with-Eaton, echoes of the past resonate in the present, creating a captivating tapestry of history and heritage.