Photos of Adderbury, Oxfordshire

England
Oxfordshire

Adderbury - St Mary's historic church Photos

Quite why Adderbury's parish church is not better known is a mystery; it is without question one of the more enjoyable churches I've had the pleasure of visiting. The oldest parts date to the 13th century, but most of the current church is 14th century. The real joy of Adderbury is the wealth of wonderful carvings that decorate the building inside and out. Gargoyles and grotesques abound, with mythological figures of animals and humans, lords and ladies. The chancel is said to be the work of William of Wykeham (1324-1404), Bishop of Winchester and founder of New College, Oxford. Wykeham's head and coat of arms are above the east window.

click on a photo to see a larger version of the image

St Mary's Adderbury. The setting is lovely, in a lane below the High Street, looking over the river	An unusual bow window on the west end of the north aisle. This type of window is most common in secular architecture in the late medieval and Tudor periods.
Gargoyle on the roofline of the south aisle	The exterior north wall is decorated with a fantastic frieze with carved animal, human, and mythological creatures.
More of the frieze on the north wall; here is a mermaid with two tails.	The nave, begun in the 13th century, remodeled in the 14th century
The chancel and east window. I am not normally a fan of Victorian restoration, but the work here is absolutely stunning. You won't see better carving anywhere, and the overall effect is one of light, space, and awe.	Detail of the east window in the chancel. Within the chancel is the coat of arms of William of Wykeham, one of the most powerful men of the medieval period, who was probably responsible for building of the chancel.
Just a sample of the many, many corbel heads in the nave and aisles	Another corbel head
The pier in the south aisle is decorated with heads of knights, while ...	... the pier in the north aisle depicts ladies in wimples
Capital carving in the north aisle of Adderbury St Mary's

Historic churches in Oxfordshire >>

photos of Adderbury © David Ross and Britain Express

Oxfordshire Travel Guide

Oxfordshire Overview - Oxfordshire Tourist Information Centres - Oxfordshire travel links Attractions in Oxfordshire - categories Ancient Sites - Castles - Churches - Family - Gardens - Historic Houses - Gazetteer of Towns and Villages Oxford City Guide Attractions - Hotels in Oxford - History of Oxford - Oxford University Featured attractions Rollright Stones - Uffington White Horse Destinations Burford - Swinbrook - Vale of White Horse Accommodation Hotels in Oxfordshire - Self Catering Cottages in Oxfordshire