Swerford Church

Edith, the second Robert D'Oily's wife had a recurring nightmare. Her confessor advised her that this was a sign that her husband, a wealthy land owner, should found an abbey at Oxford. Robert agreed and so he founded the Abbey of Osney in 1127 which was dedicated to St Mary. By the time the castle was destroyed around 1154, a village had grown up in Swerford under its protection and in the early 1200's Osney Abbey founded a church there in the name of its own patron saint to serve the population.

The earliest surviving part of the church is the west tower which was built in about 1300. It has a broached spire and stands at the west end of the nave. The bell openings have cusped Y tracery. The bells were rehung and a sixth bell added at the expense of the villagers in 2000 to mark the Millennium. The font dates from the fourteenth century. It is octagonal with blind tracery on each face. Gargoyles guard the south porch which belongs to the same period. Those who look at the sundial here are exhorted to 'Learn to number thy days.'

There have been two major alterations to the original church. In the 15th century the building was updated in the perpendicular style. At this time the roof was raised and a clerestory added with perpendicular windows, and four square headed windows were let into the south wall. The chancel has a very unusual south window, with most of the tracery on the lower half. There is also a small, low, 'leper' window, which would allow Communion to be passed to those who were not allowed into the church.

1846 saw another restoration. The village's population was at its height of over 450 people and a new north aisle was added to accommodate the bigger congregation. New pews were fitted and the double ones at the front were for the occupants of Swerford Park on the south side and Swerford House on the north.

Other refurbishments included the replacement of the east window in 1859 and a new oak altar, communion rail and clergy seats in the chancel in the 1930's. The splendid gilded cockerel which now graces the spire and catches the morning sun replaced a more mundane pigeon-like weathervane at the same time.

A list of rectors from 1221 to the present day is displayed in the church. The most notable perhaps being Alexander of Swerford who came to the post in 1228 when he was approaching sixty. He became a prominent royal clerk during the reign of king John and was also appointed Treasurer of St Paul's Cathedral. When he died in his late seventies he had an enviable obituary. He was described as having no equal 'in handsomeness of body, beauty of face or learning in many fields.'

There are also several memorials in the church which are worthy of study as they give an interesting insight into the local history of the village. John King, the first missionary to the Maoris is remembered here.

[i]'Perhaps the most lasting impression St Mary's Church makes is one of light and space, uncluttered and tranquil in this quiet Oxfordshire valley - not just a building steeped in history, but a house of God, built and maintained with enthusiasm'(Violet Johnson,"A Guide to the Churches of Swerford,Great Rollright and Hook Norton.) Long may it continue.

[i]**** For more information about the Church, see the section by Violet Johnson in 'A Guide to the Churches of Swerford, Great Rollright and Hook Norton.'

'Swerford, a Village Guide' by Geoffrey and Sarah Castle,[i]contains much more about the history of Swerford and can be obtained for £2.50 including P&P, as can 'Soles and Souls' the life of John King by Tony Higgins for £5 including P&P by contacting:

getcastle@btinternet.com