St Michael's, Stanton Harcourt
St Michael's at Stanton Harcourt is one of Oxfordshire's most rewarding churches, a real gem full of interest. The building is of largely 13th century dates (with alterations / additions in the following centuries) and retains its original cruciform plan. The latest addition is the Harcourt Chapel on the south side in 15th century Perpendicular, and one of the outstanding features of the church with its fine collection of tombs and monuments of the Harcourt family. The adjoining manor is visible from the churchyard, it's most noticeable feature being the detached 15th century tower situated opposite the west end of the church and thus almost appearing as if it belongs to it.
The church has several important medieval features within, from elements of ancient glass, a substantial part of the former shrine of St Eadburgha, further fine monuments and likley the earliest complete medieval rood screen. There is much to enjoy here and a visit is highly recommended.
The church is normally kept open and welcoming for visitors but the Harcourt Chapel is usually kept locked and visitors will have to be content with peering through the gates to see the tombs. I am extremely grateful to Martin Beek for organising this day and arranging for the chapel to be opened for us, with thanks also to the churchwarden who kindly gave her time for us to explore and photograph the monuments inside.
St Michael's, Stanton Harcourt
St Michael's at Stanton Harcourt is one of Oxfordshire's most rewarding churches, a real gem full of interest. The building is of largely 13th century dates (with alterations / additions in the following centuries) and retains its original cruciform plan. The latest addition is the Harcourt Chapel on the south side in 15th century Perpendicular, and one of the outstanding features of the church with its fine collection of tombs and monuments of the Harcourt family. The adjoining manor is visible from the churchyard, it's most noticeable feature being the detached 15th century tower situated opposite the west end of the church and thus almost appearing as if it belongs to it.
The church has several important medieval features within, from elements of ancient glass, a substantial part of the former shrine of St Eadburgha, further fine monuments and likley the earliest complete medieval rood screen. There is much to enjoy here and a visit is highly recommended.
The church is normally kept open and welcoming for visitors but the Harcourt Chapel is usually kept locked and visitors will have to be content with peering through the gates to see the tombs. I am extremely grateful to Martin Beek for organising this day and arranging for the chapel to be opened for us, with thanks also to the churchwarden who kindly gave her time for us to explore and photograph the monuments inside.