St. Oswald Church

Nice walk through the fields Beautiful old church is all that remains of the ancient village of Widford
Mar 9th, 2023

If you have a chance, take a nice 35 -45 minutes walk one way from Burford. The path is really nice and easy with some stals (low gates for dogs). You can meet cows on the fields. Otherwise you can drive just few minutes and then access without obstacles (one cattle grid). Church is lovely, located on the hill. Check its history because is very interesting.
Mar 26th, 2022

Lovely place, nice chapel with beautiful surrounding area!
Feb 19th, 2022

10 minute walk across the meadows from Swinbrook. Fascinating history with examples of 1400 century paintings on the walls
Nov 2nd, 2021

This small isolated church is reached by walking across the fields. It is the only survivor of a village which was deserted after the Black Death. It is a lovely setting with views down to the River Windrush and across open grassland with trees, hedges and a few isolated buildings. The church has been described as one of the most beautiful country churches in Oxfordshire. It was closed in 1859 and was used as a barn. It was restored in 1904 and is occasionally used for services. It is a tiny church with nave chancel and bell cote, set in a walled rectangular graveyard. It was built on the site of a Roman building and the guide book refers to the remains of a tessellated floor under the flagstones. No-one is sure when the first church was built, but local legend says the bones of St Oswald rested here overnight while being taken to Gloucester Cathedral for burial. The present church dates from the C12/13th although the chancel arch, corbels and tub font are earlier than this. Steps lead down into the church. Inside there are box pews and wall paintings. The double decker pulpit with a small reading desk, may have been made from the base panels of the rood screen. Above the chancel arch are boards with the Ten Commandments.
Mar 24th, 2021