Thought to take place in late M36, Oxbellow is set in Ventash, a prominent settlement close to the hive walls near the surface of Necromunda. Containing a large garrison of Imperial Guardsmen, the settlement was known for fighting many incursions against the Wasteland Nomads and raids from outlying settlements that still tried to eke out a living beyond the hive.
One of the main targets of these raids and invasions was the work-town of Sidepress, which was built directly inside the walls of the have. The town had large gates that opened out of the hive to allow the workers to ply the trade of the town. The vast majority of the town's resources were dedicated to the manufacture and installation of enormous sheets of shielding designed to protect the walls from the ever increasing pollution that was starting to affect the outer walls of Hive Primus. The garrisons from Ventash were often called out to reinforce the defenders of Sidepress.
Historical records show that both towns were located in the territory of House Orlock. However, the title character is a member of House Goliath, who managed to become appointed the Captain of the Garrison located in Ventash. As the story begins, Oxbellow is in good standing with the locals, having earned their respect through his tireless defense of the area and his good nature. It is assumed that Oxbellow was every bit the physical specimen commonly found in House Goliath, but that he also possessed a keen intellect not normally found in most members of the House who roam the Underhive.