About Langford
Langford is located in the quiet Shill Valley, between the market towns
of Burford and Lechlade on Thames. The manor was once owned by the
Saxon Earl of Mercia, but by the 11th century it had passed to King
Harold.
St Matthew's Church
It is possible that there was church here at least as early as the
10th century, but if that is the case no trace remains save two
extraordinary carvings which I'll mention in a moment. The current
building was built by AElfsige of Faringdon around the year 1080.
The church is a a wonderful example of the transitional period between
Saxon traditions and the newer Norman influence. The nave was rebuilt
in grand style in the late Norman period, and the chancel wa enlarged
in the 13th century, giving a building of striking height and space.
In the 15th century a nave clerestory was added, and in the Elizabethan
period a pair of flying buttresses were added to brace the north
wall of the nave.
The central tower, showing
strong Saxon influence
Exterior features
The most immediately striking aspect of the church is the square central
tower, topped with a hipped roof. I can't bring to mind another church
in Oxfordshire with this style of roof, which is frequently used in
Saxon architecture. A pilaster strip runs down the south wall of the
tower, and at the second floor level a low relief carving has been
inserted into the pilaster. This shows two bearded men wearing short
skirts or kilts, and on their heads they bear a sundial.
Interior Features
The nave is extraordinarily high, creating a great sense of space within
the church. Immediately to the east of the south door is a mechanical
clock, which dates to the 17th century. To the west of the door
is an amusing memorial tablet to three members of the Howse family;
the punning inscriptions begins, "Within this little Howse three
Howses lye". The vestry and the organ chambers are fronted with oak
screens which date to the 15th century. The screens are beautifully
carved, though the painted panels are modern. The wine-glass style
wooden pulpit is another highlight; it dates from the Jacobean period.
Unusually, we know its provenance, for the parish records record
that Thomas Whiting was paid £8 to create the pulpit in 1673.
Moving to the chancel, the altar is flanked by a 13th
century piscina on the south side, and a six bay aumbry, also 13th
century, on the north side. The size and complexity of the gabled aumbry
would indicate that at that time the church had a fair array of plate
or relics to display. Beneath the altar itself is another treasure.
Here are the memorial brasses of the Prunes, Walter and Mary. He died
in 1594, she in 1607. The detail of the brass is exceptional, and shows
very clearly the style of dress commonly worn by nobles in the late
Elizabethan period.
A Saxon carving representing
the Crucifixion, over the south porch
The Langford Carvings Langford church is most famous for two exceptional Saxon era
carvings.
The Crucifixion Carving
Above the entry to the south porch is this small carving showing a
crucifixion scene, with Christ on the cross flanked by Mary and
St John. The carving dates from the period 1020 - 1040. It is quite
clear that the carving was reused, possibly from an earlier church
on this site. Christ's arms drape down, instead of up, and his head
is tilted to one side.
These alterations were
presumably made to fit the carving into the niche it now occupies.
Also the figures of Mary and St John appear to have been transposed;
they are looking away from Christ. Traditionally, Mary was depicted
on the right of Christ and St John on the left. We are left with
the conclusion that uneducated masons were faced with the task of
reassembling a jigsaw puzzle of carved pieces from an earlier church,
and got it wrong.
The 'Langford
Rood', a late Saxon carving of Christ
The Langford Rood
On the east wall of the south porch is a figure of 'Christ in Majesty'.
This is known as The Langford Rood, and is thought to be
unique in England. The figure dates from before the Norman Conquest,
though we cannot be more precise than that. The Rood has lost its
head, which would not have fit into the niche it is placed in anyway.
The figure is caved completely from limestone, and shows great skill
in the depiction of the folds of the robe.
Taken as a whole, the architecture and historic interest
of St Matthew's church make it one of the most fascinating pre-Norman
churches in the entire country, and one that is certainly worth a visit. For
images of many of the features mentioned in this article, please see
our Photos
of Langford church >>
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