St Mary Witney

 

This was one church which was a long time in visiting, mainly because it  was in the town and parking looked to be a problem as it turned out it was no a problem as all you had to do was park at a nearby Supermarket which allowed shoppers three hours. I had considered doing this blog in two parts but feel it would be better as one so be warned it is long so get a coffee and a cake

 

 

"The Church of England parish church of St Mary the Virgin was originally Norman. The north porch and north aisle were added in this style late in the 12th century, and survived a major rebuilding in about 1243. In this rebuilding the present chancel, transepts, tower and spire were added and the nave was remodelled, all in the Early English style. In the 14th century a number of side chapels and some of the present windows were added in the Decorated style. In the 15th century the south transept was extended and the present west window of the nave were added in the Perpendicular style. The tower has a peal of eight bells. The tower of the church is 69 feet (21 metres) high, topped by a tall and slender spire, which brings the total height of the church to 154 feet (47 metres)."

The main entrance to the church and churchyard is on the north side

I came in the south side by an unauthorized entrance people use

North east view of the transept

South east view of the transept and chancel

North transept and tombs

Windows in the north transept

North transept and side chapel

West aisle and entrance

West view showing the entrance there along with north and south aisles

South transept and new entrance

Window tracery and carvings on the end

Smaller window tracery

Blocked door in the north transept chapel

Some of the doorways in the church

Niche between two windows that once would have held a holy statue 

These would also have held one at one time

Carving on the top of a corner buttress

In the stonework you can see some chevron stones which I was told are part of the Norman remains of the church

At some time there would have been a chapel here but it was removed and you can still see the roofline above the arch

View up the spire the tip of which got taken off during WWII when an RAF plane which was crash landing hit it

South churchyard

Which is full of old headstones and tombs

Some of the tomes and in bad condition

It shows there were a  lot of rich people buried in the churchyard

The bale tombs tell you they were wool merchants

There are two in the churchyard the closeness might indicate they were of the same family. I came across the odd bale tomb then at Burford I found lots. This area is rich or people in the wool trade

The slate headstone looks out of place

Headstones and tombs

Couple of large chest tombs

Looking over the churchyard towards the almshouses. I always wonder why they seem to over look them

Chest tombs

Older headstones

More Chest tombs of rich people wanting to be buried near the church

Looking south

The stump of a Cedar of Lebanon which was cut down because it was becoming dangerous

The main entrance through the porch you see, one thing I noticed was the old roof line showing indicated there was another porch there. The chapels on the right & left must have been built later so the old porch was removed.

Entrance in the porch

Inside from the back. A service had not long finished so I was tying not to get people in the photos

This was one of the first I took so though I managed not to get a couple on the right a lady can be see near the arch

The chancel with new choir stalls, the old ones are just beyond them

Closer view in the chancel of the altar and triple east window

The altar with reredo behind

Altar cross and center piece of the reredo

The east window

This collage shows the stained glass windows you can see around the chancel walls

Over on the south side of the chancel

The altar that is used for services now

Remember that cedar tree stump well the alter was made from the wood and the carvings on the front hit at the wool trade in Witney

Looking through the chancel arch to the nave

From behind the new altar

At some stage they removed the old pulpit so this is a view I think you would see from it

The west window which looks quite magnificent

The memorial to five generations of the Batt family

Who are listed below on a tablet

Westell Memorial

Memorial of William Friend

Weston Family Memorial

You cannot miss this tomb chest

 

With a very nice brass on top, he had two wives and five daughters

An old brass you can see in the church, it's in Latin so I cannot read it

One of the other stained glass windows in the church

They were holding a service at this alter when I first poked my head in the door

This old chapel is off the chancel, I did not investigate it

The south transept with a screen across, it used as a meeting are and kitchen now. It I come back again I will have  a look inside, when I was looking around there where people inside and I did not like to disturb them

I think this is the lady chapel in the south transept

I liked the simplicity of the altar

 

Nicely carved eagle lectern 

Banner of St Mary in the chapel

Organ pipes

The organ which I presume makes them sound

Going into the south transept you pass the top of the old puplet

I'd spotted these tomb effigies behind a screen which I think was the vestry, it was locked the photos were taken over the top of the screen. I was informed there is a crypt under the chancel

Stained glass windows in the south transept

Another alter with east window

Altar and reredo

The east window above the altar

The north aisle

Small chapel

Stained glass window from it

South aisle

West wall in the nave

Niche which looks like it still has the paint in it from the middle ages

Stained glass window in the nave

another nearby

I popped out through this door to go to the toilets and noticed the doorway on the way back, this is one of the old south doorways in the church

Arches looking from the north aisle

Just off the north aisle is the church office which is in an old chapel from what I could see so you would miss this superb memorial on the east wall

Head carving on one of the arches

and a tomb recess complete with effigy

There is also a small recess for a statue or it could have been a stoup

The font I'm not sure of it's age

Display of roses

Another floral display in the church

I will leave you with this one of the font and floral display with the nave in the background. 

Till next time may I which you all a peaceful weekend