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History

The origins and age of this church are unknown although records do date back to the 12th century. The building was constructed over the centuries with alterations and additions at various times. The present nave and font are from the 12th century and the narrow aisles and chancel were added in the 13th.

The 14th century saw the addition of the chapel on the north side of the chancel. The window and the piscine being original. The tower of the church was built at the end of the 14th century, probably replacing an earlier one.

In the 15th century the south porch, the battlements and the fine wooden chancel screen were added.

During the 17th century a new floor was added into the church tower to form a ringing chamber and the chancel was rebuilt.

 

 The Page Monument 12th Century Font 20th Century Statue of St Peter View from the nave towards the chancel 20th Century Stained Glass Window 20th Century Stained Glass Window 20th Century Stained Glass Window 20th Century Stained Glass Window 20th Century Stained Glass Window 20th Century Stained Glass Window 15th Century wooden chancel screen

Plan of the St Peter and St Paul's Church.

 

Click on the red areas to view features within the church.

Click on underlined words to see the image

 

Sir Francis Page of Middle Aston was responsible for carrying out major repairs to the Lady Chapel in the 18th century. It was Sir Francis who commissioned Peter Scheemaker to create the Page monument, to Sir Francis and his second wife, Frances, following her death in 1730. The story goes, that noticing his wife's statue was not wearing a wedding ring Sir Francis refused to pay the bill in full.

During the 19th century the building underwent major restoration. It was at this time that the gallery, pews and pulpit were added. The pews which are mostly 19th century incorporate some 14th century pew ends, the remaining ends are 19th copies of the originals.

The 20th century saw the building of a new vestry, the addition of the organ and the stained glass windows (by Eden) and the restoration of the Lady Chapel. The figure of St Peter was put into the niche over the south door. Rumour has it that St Peter's lost fingers were the target of some catapult practice!

In 1945 the original 18th century clock was replaced by a new electrically wound clock. The original was donated to the Oxford University Science Museum.