The Church was originally built in the 12th century, in the reign of King Henry II, as a Chapel-of-Ease to the Parish Church of St. Martin, Bladon. This was for the convenience of the Court since the King was often in residence at his Royal Manor of Woodstock. For more history follow this link.
Although largely reconstructed in 1878, the Church still has a number of important and most interesting  features from earlier times.

13th Century South Nave carved heads on the Capital
 

         Carved Capitals is the finest example of the work of the Early English period of architecture. They were carved about 700 hundred years ago. Carvings consist of alternate heads and bunches of what is known as "stiff-leaf" foliage. The heads are all different and are clearly portraits of former citizens of Woodstock.

Among male figures there are two faces of priests, a wealthy old man with a quilted cap and pleated doublet, a man wearing a coronet. This has been said to represent King Henry III, who reigned from 1216 to 1272. The woman faces ranged from the wrinkled old lady to a pretty young woman with a snub nose. Their hair dresses are interesting and consist of a band round the forehead (a fillet) and another under the chin (a barbette), while the back hair is probably in a net (a frat). One of the middle aged ladies has a veil as well. Click on the picture above to see more "members of 13th century congregation" in greater detail (loading pictures may take some time).

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Collection of church kneelers

Other Interesting features in the church include:

14th Century Font

15th Century West Porch and roof Bosses

16th Century Chancel Screen

18th Century Classical Tower

Captain James King, Royal Navy and St Mary Magdalene, Woodstock

 

The Friends of Woodstock Church