In this paper Simon, Townley reflects on what a local history approach can offer to the study of medieval society. Over many years Simon has researched, written and edited dozens of parish histories for the Oxfordshire VCH, a county-based research programme which is attached to the nationally organised Victoria County History project, famous for its ‘big red books’. The VCH method involves detailed archival and landscape research into all facets of local history, including landownership and local government organization as well as economic, social and religious history. Such investigation ‘on all fronts’ often reveals connections and trends which are less apparent from more prescribed research focusing on particular topics or periods. When looked at with an eye to larger patterns and contexts the VCH-type approach can add a valuable dimension to understanding changing medieval societies in particular places.