Duns Tew, Little Tew, and Great Tew

These "Tew" villages in Oxfordshire, England can all be found on Google Earth by entering "Duns Tew, England," and so on, into the search box. The name, Tew, has many possible origins, among which a "long object," possibly referring to a long ridge, which may associate it with the long ridges in the general area where these villages are located. Great Tew has been described as one of the most picturesque villages in Oxfordshire. It is known for its thatch cottages, as seen in illustrations, and in photos such as that of The Falkland Arms, a well-known traditional English pub in the village. Great Tew has gone through considerable restoration, so that it has become an attractive destination for those traveling into the country.

Great Tew has an interesting history. At one website, reference is made to Lucius Cary, 2nd viscount Falkland, who "took up residence at the mansion of Great Tew in Oxfordshire, which was bequeathed to him by his grandfather. He succeeded as the 2nd Viscount Falkland when his father died in September 1633. During the 1630s, Falkland presided over a celebrated philosophical and literary circle at Great Tew where poets, theologians and philosophers met to discuss and exchange ideas. Members of the Great Tew circle included William Chillingworth, Ben Jonson, Thomas Hobbes and Falkland's close friend Edward Hyde." Hugh Trevor-Roper wrote a lengthy essay on the Great Tew Circle in his book, "Catholics, Anglicans, and Puritans."