The early parish of Swalcliffe was large, containing the townships of Epwell, Shutford, and the Sibfords. Shutford, also with a small church with C12th origins, thus partly shares its history. In 1086 Swalcliffe parish formed part of the Bishop of Lincoln's ancient estates in Banbury hundred, and part of the 50 hide Banbury manor. In the C12th and C13th the Lincoln estates in Swalcliffe were held by several of the Bishop's knights. In 1166 Richard of Stoke held 3 fees of the Bishop, and these were identified with 3 fees held in the early C13th by Robert of Stoke.