Ozleworth was known as Oslan wyrth in 940, derived from the Old English words ōsle + worth. meaning either "enclosure of a man named Ōsla" or "enclosure frequented by blackbirds".[1] It was listed as Osleworde in the Domesday Book of 1086.[2]
The Norman church, which is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, is known to have been in existence in 1131. It has a cruciform structure, with one bell.[5] It has an unusual hexagonal tower located in the centre of the church between the nave and the chancel.[6][7] The current nave and font were added in the early 13th century.[6]Archaeological evidence suggests that there was no nave before this time and that the tower originally formed part of the western wall of the church.[8] The churchyard is circular. No longer active, the church is looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust.
Notable people
Bruce Chatwin, novelist, travel writer and journalist, lived in the village.