The practice of assigning 13 lot meadows in West Mead, Oxey Mead and Pixey Mead by the drawing of wooden balls may date from the late 13th century. Meadsmen were elected annually to supervise the drawing and to regulate the grazing. Because of a gradual acquiring of rights by outsiders and a decline in hay values, the custom was ended in 1978.
This collection of prints was handed to the office circa 1971, possibly by a member of the Victoria County History staff (accession number 2841).
For more information on the lot meadows in Yarnton and Begbroke, see volume XII of the Victoria County History of Oxfordshire, pp.478-9.
Catalogued by Mark Priddey, Feb.1996.