The boundaries of this parish are formed by Culworth on the north, Sulgrave on the east, Marston St Lawrence and Thenford on the south, and Warding-ton, in Oxfordshire, on the west. It contains 990 acres, and its population in 1801 was 137 ; in 1831, 175; in 1841, 154;. in 1851, 151; in 1861, 164; and in 1871, 152. The rateable value of the parish is £2154, and the gross estimated rental £2285. The soil is principally a light loam ; the greater part is in pasture ; and the principal proprietors are William Peareth, Esq. (lord of the manor), and Mr Henry Gibbard.

Manor.—At the time of the Domesday survey, Ingelran held 2 hides of land in Torp, of Gilo de Pinkeney ; in the Confessor's time it was the freehold of Osmond the Dane, and was valued at 40s., but afterwards advanced to 50s. This manor passed from the Pinkeneys to the family of Amundeville, or Mande-ville, and by one of them it was sold, in the 18th year of Edward I. (1290), to the Fitz-Whitacres. In the 10th of Edward I. (1282), Richard de Mandeville had a grant for life of a weekly market and annual fair here, but these privileges were not renewed to the succeeding lords. In the 9th of Edward II. (1315), the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, who must have held under the Whitacres, was certified to be lord o'f this manor. In the beginning of the reign of Henry VI. it was in the possession of the family of Freebody, from which it passed to the Kirtons, with whom it continued for several generations. Bridges tells us that " Oliver Cromwell was related to the family of Kirton, and kept garrison here. The mounds which were thrown up on this occasion are still visible behind the manor-house." Thomas Gostelowe, Gent., of Wardington, in Oxfordshire, purchased the manor and estate of Thomas Kirton, Gent, and his grandson Richard sold them to the trustees under the will of Lucy Knightley, Esq., of Fawsley, 1723-24. Richard Jennens, Esq. of Weston by Weedon, purchased this manor of the Knightley family in 1742-43, and dying without issue in 1773, the lordship was assigned, in the partition of his estates, to Ann, his youngest sister, wife of William Peareth, Esq. of Unsworth, Durham, whose grandson of the same name is the present proprietor. The Manor-House stands east of the church. The Village of Thorpe Mandeville, which is very small, is situated about seven miles north-west by north of Brackley, and six miles north-east by east of Ban bury.

The Church, dedicated to St John the Baptist, erected about the thirteenth century, stands near the centre of the village, and consists of a nave, north aisle, south porch, chancel, and pinnacled tower containing three bells. The tower has a low roof, or what is locally termed a pack-saddle steeple. The interior has been tastefully fitted up since 1857. In 1872 the chancel was thoroughly restored by the Rev. W. T. Browning, when a carved oak pulpit and a reading-desk, stalls, altar rails, &c., were erected ; and the east window and two other windows in the chancel were filled with stained glass. Many other improvements were effected by the rector. In the chancel are a piscina and a locker, and several mural tablets to the Humfrey family; and in the north aisle is a monument to a member of the Kirton family and his wife: the former, a common sergeant of the city of London, died in 1597, and the latter in 1601. The living is a rectory in the Deanery of Brackley, rated in the king's books at £10, 2s. 10d., and now valued at £370 per annum. The Rev. Robert P. Humfrey, M.A., is both patron and incumbent. The rectory consists of 178a. 1r. 34p., allotted in lieu of glebe and tithes. The Rectory House is a handsome building south-east of the church. In the churchyard is a very fine yew-tree.

The National School, built by subscription in 1864, is also supported by subscription, aided by Government grant and the school-pence.

Post-office.—William Gardner, sub-postmaster. Letters arrive from Banbury at 9 A.M., and are despatched at 4-30P.M.

Allett Miss Jane, farmer and

vict. Three Conies

Browning Rev. William Thos. M.A, Boarding School

Gardner William Thos. Parish clerk and post-office

Golby Jno. farmer &vict.Magpie

Humfrey Rev. Robt. Pargiter, M.A. rector

Scarr Mrs Mary, shopkeeper

Scarsbrook Thos. blacksmith

Webb Mrs Harriet, schoolmrs.

Farmers and Graziers.

Campion John, h. Chacombe

Cooper Mrs Sarah

Gibbard Henry (yeoman)

Iven Tom

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