Oxfordshire historic churches
- Shipton under Wychwood
A travel guide
to Oxfordshire, England, highlighting attractions, history, and visitor information.
Summary
A lovely 13th century church, with many Early English features, a font given by
the Earls of Warwick, 16th century memorials, and a pulpit carved from a single
piece of stone.
Beginnings
St Mary the Virgin, Shipton,
stands on the site of a Saxon minster, but the church we see today is largely
13th century. The oldest part may be the tower, which was begun around the year
1200. The chancel arch is late Norman, and the two-story south porch was added
in the 14th century.
The font
One of the most fascinating historical features of the church is the font. This
is octagonal, with intriguing motifs on each facet. One motif shows the bear and
ragged staff emblem of the Earls of Warwick, suggesting that the font was a gift
to Shipton of the powerful Earls. Another motif shows the 'rose en soleil' a sun
and floral emblem combined, that was used by Edward IV. These two motifs suggest
a date of 1461-1470. Three other facets show Green Man motifs. The Green Man,
or grotesque face surrounded by leaves, was a common medieval symbol, probably
a relic of pagan times.
Another feature is the stone pulpit,
which is likely 15th century. It was carved from a single block of stone, though
there has been obvious repair work since. Tucked behind pews in the north aisle
is a recessed tomb, in which is the much worn effigy of a woman in 14th century
garb.
The Thame Palimpsest On the
wall of the south aisle is a beautifully engraved brass palimpsest, commemorating
Elizabeth Thame (d. 1548). Loosely defined, a palimpsest is communication
medium, like a manuscript, tablet, or book, that has been reused. In this case
the memorial brass was originally used as to inscribe a 1494 grant to the Guild
of St Mary in Aylesbury by John and Alice Stone. The brass was later turned over
and reused as a memorial to Elizabeth Thame. The engraving shows the skeletal
deceased woman lying in her shroud beneath her coat of arms. Beside the brass
is a copy of the other side of the palimpsest.
The
Reade Hatchment High on the north wall of the chancel are two 18th
century marble monuments to members of the Reade family of Shipton Court. Above
the south door is a hatchment of the Reade family. A hatchment is a coat of arms,
usually painted on a diamond shaped piece of wood or canvas. This particular hatchment
probably dates to 1821, and it was lost for a century in the attic of an antique
shop in Burford until it was rediscovered, carefully restored, and returned to
St Mary's church.
The Stamp Memorial One very
unusual feature is to found in the sanctuary. Set into the south wall of the sanctuary,
a few steps from the altar, is a medieval piscina, a sort of wash basin for cleaning
holy vessels or the priest's hands. Set into the wall immediately above the piscina
is a small, beautifully carved memorial, dated 1614, to Timothy Stamp, his wife,
and four children. In a common pose for the period the husband and wife are kneeling
in an attitude of prayer, facing each other across a small table, or altar. Vestiges
of colourful paint still cling to the alabaster likenesses. Though such a tomb
is quite common, it is rare for one to be located immediately above a piscina.
In the churchyard is a two-story table tomb. Though table tombs are quite
common in this area, 'double-decker' versions are unusual. In one famous local
case, smugglers hid their contraband in a hollow in the base of a two story table
tomb. From beside the tomb you can see over the rear wall of the churchyard to
Old Prebendal House, a Grade II listed manor house dating to the medieval period.
Cosy Stone walled and thatched detached cottage in the heart of this village on the edge of the Cotswolds. National Trust Coleshill, Buscot, and Uffington … more >> Sleeps 4
Large and very comfortable sitting room with wood burning stove and exposed beams. Fully fitted kitchen with dining area. Beamed double bedroom with 6' zip … more >> Sleeps 2
The centrally located Cromwell Lodge is a majestic old building combining the spirit of the 17th century with all the modern day comforts. The elegant oak panelled restaurant features imaginative and tempting menus. There is an extensive bar menu and a wide range of traditional ales and fine wines. more >>
One of England's original 13th Century Coaching Inns located in the historic, picturesque town of Woodstock. The town is home to Blenheim Palace as well as many fine boutiques, art galleries, furniture and antique shops. Woodstock is also at the gateway to the Cotswolds, close to Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon. With … more >>
