According to "A Topographical Dictionary of England" [by Samuel Lewis], Berkshire was anciently called
Barocscire, or
Berocsire from the Saxon
Barroc. This is a name for a thick wood which occupied an extended tract between Lambourn and Wantage. [ Vol. I, p. 145] Others believe the name is derived from the word
Berroc, which is a bare oak in some part of Windsor Forest. It was thought that the ancient Britons assembled under these trees for some of their social activity. At any rate, a Thomas Jones appears to be the first to appear in the legal records of Berkshire.
Thomas Jones 1553 - 1558 [bundle 23/ no. 117] may have seen some of these oaks during his days. The index does not list the location or reasons for this case, but it appears to be one of the earliest for this set of dates. A second case is listed for a Thomas Jones 1558 - 1579 at Kennington, but it may not be the same individual. [bundle 99/ no. 9] A Richard Lyon is named in this case. Are there any folks related out there?
