I have been looking forward to returning to visit St Andrews Oddington again because of it's age and the history which surrounds it. The key was obtained from a very nice lady who lives near the church and she was quite forth coming with what I should look for.
Be advised there is a lot of detail this week so get a coffee and cake while you look
Before going in I went off to get a photo of a grave I missed the first time though in my last blog I did manage to crop a shot of it out for you to see
This was the one I was looking for a simple wooden cross which I did notice the first time but failed to get a photo of
The lady's name Margaret Staples Brown or Maggie Papakura as she was also known
The bronze plaque below is written in English and Maori. It was a long way from where she was born to be buried here in the Oxfordshire countryside.
Going to the back and looking down the nave
Looking back through the chancel arch
From beside the pulpit
The pulpit
Off to the side of the chancel this was most likely a chapel at one time
Seems also where the nativity figures are stored
The cross looks quite old and has lost part of the cross bar
The chapel has a screen separating it from the chancel
Remnants of the old stonework on display
When you walk in the entrance right opposite you will see this beautiful statue of the Madonna and Child stood on a plinth
I found it quite something to look at
One of the stained glass windows has a display of a modern day pilgrim with their certificates
The stained glass window above the display
Another stained glass window on the north side of the church
The parish Roll of Honour
Tombs in front of the altar
This one is Jane, she died in 1733
An older one with brass showing the purifying body of the person in a shroud
St Andrew
The donkey from the nativity on an old church chest
The organ at the back of the church
This very elaborate memorial is to Margaret Staples Brown or Maggie Papakura
The figure of Christ and the Virgin Mary are quite stunning
A Maori cloak hangs nearby
You can see Maori on the base
The stained glass window beside the memorial
This one is behind the memorial
More looking towards the chancel
Looking down the nave
More than one old light in the church
Such a beautiful interior.
ReplyDeleteIt is William much more that a few others I have seen
DeleteThe interior is absolutely beautiful. Looking at the outside of the church, you would never know all this was inside. What a wonderful discovery.
ReplyDeleteThis is true you can never tell what the inside will look like just looking at the outside
DeleteI'm glad you were able to return and see the features outside in the churchyard and also go inside. Thank you for sharing. Have a good Sunday and week Bill.
ReplyDeleteI was glad to do so, I wondered if it would be open or I could get the key
DeleteThis is my second attempt to read this post; the first sent me off down a virtual "rabbit hole" in pursuit of Maggie Papakura - such a fascinating life. Such a contrast between the austere exterior and the elaborate riches within.
ReplyDeleteI did not realise about here till I did some research on the church last time so I made sure I got a photo of the grave this time
DeleteThank you, Billy. Yes, it looks like a plain church on the outside, but the inside is amazing. So many treasures!
ReplyDeleteMany of the churches I visit are quite amazing inside other just plain
DeleteBilly!
ReplyDeleteYour country is a treasury of wonderful sacred monuments.
Another great church, its furnishings and historic cemetery impress.
Happy week.
Well we do have our fair share of nice historic churches
DeleteWhat an odd place name. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou will like next weeks then
DeleteGreat photos! The Maori connection is interesting.
ReplyDeleteThat was very interesting, a long way from home to end up in an Oxfordshire churchyard
DeleteThe Maori cloak and carvings caught my eye, very unusual in an English church but we see them all the time here.
ReplyDelete