Uffington - St Mary's Church

St Mary's Church

St Mary's Church, Uffington, built in 1250, is known as the 'Cathedral of the Vale'. This is because it is a large church, with a high standard of design and workmanship, which must have been built by a wealthy patron rather than as an ordinary parish church.

A charter from the 10th century relates that the manor of Uffington was given to Abingdon Abbey and that a church was built here in 1105. This connection explains why today we have such a splendid church as it was likely to have been built as an outpost of the Abbey, replacing the earlier church, of which only one small arch by the altar remains.

The church has never suffered extensive restoration, so the interior retains its elegant Early English character; a style which lasted from the late 12th century to the early 14th century.

There are six bells which are regularly rung. There is a record of five bells being recast in 1657 but all the current bells are of a later date. In 1992 a new frame was installed and the bells were all tuned with a new treble being cast by the Whitechapel foundry.

Visitors are welcome. The church is usually open and access is through a small doorway at the southern end of the south transept. The church is next door to the Museum so it is easy to visit both.

This is just one of the many interesting places you can see while visiting the Museum. Visit www.uffington.net for more information on the Uffington area.