Sibford’s Town Estates Charity reaches far back into the past and its dealings are recorded in many documents, some going back to the 17th century. Until recently these have been scattered and some reputedly lost. Now they are to be preserved on trust by the Bodleian Library in Oxford, who will also undertake the task of sorting and cataloguing them.

One event that has come to light is that in 1667 the villagers took the Trustees to court in the hope of squeezing more money out of them. Last year the Charity spent over £400 on fuel distribution and over £2,000 on the school. They would like to spend more; so if you know of land that could be bought for a playground or alms-houses, please let Mr. Andrews know.