Churches in Oxford

Oxford churches - All Souls College. — All Souls College, Oxford, contains a 15th century chapel

Oxford has many fine churches including a cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral.

Many of the colleges in Oxford also have their own chapels.

See a listing of churches and other places of worship in Oxford.

Chancel ceiling of Christ Church Cathedral. — Chancel ceiling of Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral Oxford

Christ Church Cathedral Oxford is unique in that it serves as a cathedral in addition to being the chapel for Christ Church College at Oxford.

The present cathedral was constructed between 1160 and 1200 AD. The church was originally called the Priory Church of St. Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford.

The impressive chancel ceiling of Christ Church Cathedral was added in 1500 and its star-like patterns present an image of heaven.

Stained glass windows are plentiful in the cathedral, and one humorously includes an image of a flush toilet.

The English philosopher and physician John Locke is buried within the cathedral.

Oxford churches - University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. — University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin dates from medieval times. St. Mary's stands in the center of the old walled city, and Oxford University grew up around it.

In fact, St. Mary's had become the seat of university government by the early 13th century. Although university business is no longer conducted at St. Mary's, the formal university sermon is still preached there.

St. Mary's is renowned for its 13th century pinnacled spire and its Baroque porch added by a friend of Archbishop Laud in 1637. In fact, the porch was considered "too Catholic" and was cited as evidence of the Archbishop's treason in 1640. The archbishop was executed in 1644.

The tower offers the best view in Oxford.

St John the Baptist Church

St John the Baptist Church in Burford 20 miles west of Oxford was built between 1160 and 1495 AD. The Church has an interesting role in English history. In May 1649, 340 out of 800 troopers in the Parliamentary Army who had mutinied in Salisbury were confined here.

Among these men, three leaders were identified and executed in the churchyard on May 17th of that year.

These mutinous troops had demanded to be paid before being sent to Ireland as part of Oliver Cromwell's invasion force and for steps to be taken toward a representative democracy. These troops were called the 'Levellers'. One Leveller, Anthony Sedley, carved his name on the font in the church.

Among the fascinating interior elements of the St John the Baptist Church in Burford are the numerous plaques detailing donations by local townspeople.

Map of Oxford

Oxford map. — Oxford is 95 km on the M40 from London; driving time is about 90 minutes

Accommodation

Oxford is close enough to London to make a day trip easy enough, especially if your hotel is close to Paddington Station. However, if you do stay in Oxford, the city has a range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

See a list of hotels in Oxford.