Overhill was founded in the first half-century of the Shire-settlement by two Hobbit clans, the Fallohide Barleycorns and Harfoot Beechkins. Hobbits were badly persecuted by the Shire's previous Mannish inhabitants, which led to deep resentment, even hatred, on the part of Overhill's founding clans. Any Man who set foot in Overhill was liable to end up lynched, much to the distaste of less radical Hobbit clans.