P. H. (Peter Hampson) Ditchfield

Rev. Peter Hampson Ditchfield (20 April 1854 – 16 September 1930) was an English Church of England priest, historian, and notably prolific author. He was educated at Oriel College, Oxford, was ordained in 1879, and spent much of his clerical life in Berkshire, including a long period as rector of Barkham.

Alongside his parish work, he wrote extensively on English village life, customs, churches, manor houses, and local history. Many of his books were shaped by a clear affection for everyday English landscapes and traditions, which helped make antiquarian subjects inviting to general readers rather than only specialists.

He also played an important editorial role in county history, co-editing three Berkshire volumes of the Victoria County History published between 1907 and 1924. A Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, he is remembered as a writer who brought the textures of old rural and parish life vividly into print.