|
|
Places of Interest |
|
The Bell Inn |
|
 |
|
Heyford Wharf |
 When
the Oxford-Coventry canal opened in 1790, it was among the first of the
commercial waterways to be constructed in England. The Lower Heyford
wharf instantly put the village in the centre of a thriving business
route. One of the main cargoes was coal from the Wednesbury Colliery,
and this ended a longstanding local fuel shortage due to the lack of
woodlands in the area. Oxfordshire Narrowboats now operate from the
wharf, while the timber yard to the south of the road bridge has been
developed for residential use. |
|
St Mary's Church |
 The
Church of St. Mary the Virgin was consecrated in 1057 by Wulfin, Bishop
of Dorchester. Nothing of this original building remains. The earliest
architectural features from the 13th century remaining today are a
fine-pointed lancet window on the north wall by the altar, and the
piscine near the porch door. Major rebuilding in the mid 14th century
provided the East window above the altar, chancel windows and timber
roof. The clerestory (upper windows) in Perpendicular style, the tower,
porch, rood screen and staircase leading to the no longer existing rood
loft date from the 15th century. Fragments of mediaeval stained glass,
mounted in the west window behind the font, were discovered during 19th
century restoration, and depict coats of arms of Lords of the Manor of
Lower Heyford identified as de la Mare 13th century, de Clare 14th
century and Baynton 16th century. Dated 1662, the font is a remodelling
of the original mediaeval one. The candelabrum hanging over the font is
a fine example of 19th century workmanship. Steps high on the wall and
beam holes across the rear wall of the Church in front of the tower are
evidence of the 18th century musicians' gallery. The Heyford Chest, near
the font, dating from the mid 12th century pre dates the existing Church
by nearly one hundred years. Built by a local carpenter in obedience to
an order of Henry II, for placing money chests in parish churches to
help pay for the Crusades. The stained glass in the window above the
altar is by the well-known 19th century artist C.E.Kempe . The Cheeseman
Memorial window, above the south altar, dated 1928 by J.E.Nuttgens, is a
fine early example of the Arts and Crafts movement. |
|
Many of the properties in the village have a rich
history. We hope to add many of these to the site. If you
would like to contribute, please contact the Clerk. Thank you. |
|