Oldfield Family Genealogy & History

Mike Oldfield is a renowned English musician, songwriter, and producer, famous for his innovative debut album, Tubular Bells (1973), which achieved critical and commercial success. Known for his versatility, Oldfield explored genres like progressive rock, folk, electronic, and ambient music. His career highlights include the successful albums Hergest Ridge, Ommadawn, and Crises, featuring the hit single "Moonlight Shadow." In the 1990s, he signed with WEA and released Tubular Bells II, further cementing his legacy. Oldfield's discography includes 26 studio albums, and he performed at the 2012 London Olympic Games opening ceremony. He retired in 2023.

Born in Reading, Berkshire, Mike Oldfield is the son of Raymond Henry Oldfield, an English general practitioner, and Maureen Liston, an Irish nurse from County Cork. He has two elder siblings, Sally and Terence, and a younger brother, David, who passed away in infancy. His mother faced mental health challenges and passed away in 1975. Oldfield's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by his father’s gift of a guitar.

Sally Patricia Oldfield, born on August 3, 1947, in Dublin, Ireland, is a renowned singer-songwriter celebrated for her diverse musical career. She initially gained recognition with her brother Mike Oldfield in the folk duo the Sallyangie. Their 1968 album, "Children of the Sun," highlighted their collaborative talent. Sally's solo career took off with the release of her debut album "Water Bearer" in 1978, featuring the hit single "Mirrors," which topped the UK Singles Chart. She has released fifteen solo albums and collaborated with prominent artists, including providing background vocals on Mike Oldfield's iconic albums "Tubular Bells" and "Ommadawn."

Sally Oldfield was raised in a Roman Catholic family in Reading, Berkshire, by her mother, Maureen. Her brothers Mike and Terry Oldfield are both respected composers, contributing to a rich family legacy in the music industry.

Barney Oldfield, born Berna Eli Oldfield on January 29, 1878, was a trailblazing American racing driver renowned for his exceptional speed and pioneering achievements in the early 20th century. Oldfield's notable career highlights include winning the inaugural AAA National Championship in 1905 and being the first to drive a car at 60 miles per hour on a circular track. Transitioning from bicycle racing to auto racing in 1902, Oldfield became a national sensation after defeating champion Alexander Winton, boosting both his and Henry Ford's fame.

Barney Oldfield was born in York Township, Fulton County, Ohio, to parents Henry Clay Oldfield, a laborer, and Sarah. He had a sister named Bertha. The family lived in Wauseon before moving to Toledo in 1889.

Sir Maurice Oldfield (1915–1981) was a distinguished British intelligence officer and espionage administrator, serving as the seventh director of MI6 from 1973 to 1978. Notably, during WWII, he was involved with the Intelligence Corps in Egypt, focusing on counter-intelligence. Oldfield's career highlights include key postings in Singapore and Washington, D.C., where he maintained crucial relations between MI6 and the CIA. Elevated to director of counter-intelligence, his leadership was influential during the Cold War. Despite retiring, he was later tasked by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to oversee security in Northern Ireland. His legacy extends into literature, being a reputed inspiration for John le Carré's character George Smiley.

Maurice Oldfield was born into a farming family in Derbyshire, the eldest of 11 children to Joseph Oldfield, a tenant farmer, and Ada Annie Dicken. His early life was rooted in rural England, growing up outside Youlgrave and later in Over Haddon. His academic journey began locally at Lady Manners School in Bakewell, leading to a scholarship at Victoria University of Manchester, where he excelled in medieval history.