Sarsden

Sarsden is a village and civil parish in West Oxfordshire, England, located approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Chipping Norton. It sits within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The name "Sarsden" is believed to derive from the Old English Searstan, meaning "dry stone" or "hard stone." This likely refers to the local limestone geology.

Historically, Sarsden was primarily an agricultural community. The Domesday Book of 1086 recorded the settlement. The village is noted for Sarsden House, a significant country house rebuilt in the 17th century, and its associated estate. The estate has been owned by various notable families throughout its history.

The parish church of St. James is a Grade II* listed building. It features elements from various periods, including Norman and Victorian architecture.

Sarsden is a relatively small rural parish, with a population generally consisting of residents involved in agriculture or commuting to nearby towns and cities. Modern amenities are limited within the village itself, with reliance on neighboring Chipping Norton and other local centers for services.