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St John the Evangelist,
Taynton
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Taynton
St John the Evangelist
Photo
Gallery >>
About Taynton's church
Taynton is located at the western extreme of Oxfordshire, just a mile
from the market town of Burford, at the edge of the Cotswolds. Tucked
away down a quiet lane is the parish church of St John the Evangelist.
The church dates primarily from 1450, though it seems
likely it was built on the foundations of an older building. Very unusually
the architecture is predominently Decorated style
even though the Perpendicular
Gothic
style was more popular at the time of construction.
The Taynton Quarries
Taynton Stone has been quarried here since early medieval times at least.
During the Middle Ages it was highly prized, and used by almost every
church with 20 miles of Taynton, and quite a few further afield. Many
of the colleges and churches of Oxford used Taynton Stone. Sir Christopher
Wren used Taynton Stone in most of his London churches, and to make
sure that the stone was properly carved for St Pauls Cathedral he hired
his Master Mason from Taynton.
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A carved corbel head in
the north transept thought to represent Henry VI
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Given this, it is not surprising that
Tayoton's church features some superlative examples of stone carving,
particularly the font and carved corbel heads in the nave and north
transept. The corbel heads depict fascinating examples of the elaborate
headwear of the late medieval period. In the north transept are two
figures thought to represent Knig Henry VI and the Abbot of Tewkesbury.
The Harmans
The manor of Taynton once belonged to Tewkesbury
Abbey,
but at the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was bought by Edmund Harman,
and the Harman family vault is under the south aisle. The church informational
booklet lists a series of ordinances drawn up by Edmund Harman to
keep order amongst his tenants. These are well worth reading for
the picture they paint of daily life in the Tudor period. For example,
Harman declared
It is ordained that none shall tye their horses or mares
in ye cornfoieldes untyl harvist is endyd every year
And also
That the miller take not his toll more than he ought
to have.
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Carved figure decorating
the superbly carved font
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The Font
The font is a marvel; an octagonal bowl with kneeling angels at each
corner, and between them figures of beasts, Evangelists, and a mermaid.
Beneath this layer of figures is another layer with eight figures
of men with their hands on their knees. See our photo
gallery for
a look at the carving in detail.
Other Heritage Highlights
Over the south door is a beautifully carved and painted royal coat
of arms. These have been dated to the period 1714 - 1801. Also on
the south wall is a white stone memorial to Thomas Sumner,
dated 1624. Against the south wall is a simple oaken parish chest,
carved with the date 1609. The wooden
roof is decorated with gilded rosettes and a central coiled serpent
figure. Finally, in the churchyard are several excellent
examples of 18th century table tombs, and the gravestone of Admiral
Thomas Gilbert (d. 1902), ornamented with naval scenes.
If you have time, do take a few minutes to stroll about
Taynton village; its a peaceful place, with some very enjoyable older
buildings of local stone.
Photos
of Taynton church >>
Nearby:
Burford
Great Barrington
Details
Taynton, St John the Evangelist
Church Lane
Taynton
Cotswolds
Oxfordshire
England
OS SP234135
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