The rise and fall of two rival Perrott families of the Oxfordshire village of North Leigh reflects England's social history through three centuries. The "Hill" Perrotts, of Perrottshill Farm were the first to make their mark on the history of North Leigh, but they were brought into opposition with another unrelated family, also called Perrott. These were the "Church" Perrotts who overtook and surpassed the influence of the earlier family. The last and wealthiest member of the Church Perrotts was James Leigh-Perrott, whose niece Jane Austen was so disappointed to be forgotten in his will. The author is Beryl Schumer, a historian with a long association with the history of West Oxfordshire and the North Leigh Perrott families. We are indebted to Beryl for her skill in pursuing historical sources to trace these families and their activities from the 16th to the early 19th centuries. The narrative is enhanced by the inclusion of many original high quality colour prints by Colin Armitage which have revealed new insights into the history of the families.