The Red Book of the Exchequer refers to "Thomas Basset" in Oxfordshire in [1171/72]. 2
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"1174 & 1179. Thomas Basset, Lord of Bicester, Wretcwick and Stratton, was constituted one of the King's Justices Itinerant for Berks and Oxon, and for his special services in divers wars Henry II. gave him the Lordship of Hedenton, with the Hundred of Bullingdon and the Hundred without the North Gate of Oxford, in fee farm, for the rent of £20 per annum to the King's Exchequer. From this grant this branch of the family was known as Basset of Headington, and the third part of the Hundred of the North Gate was called 'Basset's Fee.' 3
"1182. This Thomas left three sons, Gilbert, Thomas, and Alan, and one daughter. Gilbert had his mansion at Bicester, and in this year founded there the Priory of Augustine Canons known as St. Eadburgha's. His only child Eustace, was first married to Thomas de Verdon, Lord of Hethe, and secondly to Richard Camville of Middleton Stoney. The manor of Kirtlington was given to Gilbert of Wycomb, son of Alan Basset. Gilbert of Bicester was Sheriff of Oxon, and died in 1202. His brother Thomas succeeded to his manor of Headington and to his Shrievalty; and his daughter Eustace to all his other manors." 3