University Church of St. Mary, Oxford

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The largest of Oxford's parish churches, a church has been on the site since Anglo-Saxon times. It was from here that the newly founded Oxford University grew in 1096 and was the first building of the new centre of academic study - used for lectures and award ceremonies.

The trial of the Oxford Martyrs in 1555 was held at the church. On the day of their death in 1556, Thomas Cranmer, former Archbishop of Canterbury, recanted his denouncing of the protestant faith at a sermon in the church, famously declaring that the hand that signed the recantations would be the first to burn.

It was the constant use of the church for graduation ceremonies (anything but ecclesiastical), clashing with religious ceremonies that led to the commissioning of the Sheldonian Theatre behind St Mary's - Christopher Wren (St Paul's) designing the building for graduations and leaving the church for less secular activities.

Nowadays the church is open daily from 9am-5pm, with the tower also open (post-service on Sundays).

Entry fee: £3/£2.50 concessions/£10 family

Wherever you go in Oxford and even from the countryside nearby, the spire of this church is clearly visible, the highest of the Oxford 'dreaming spires'. St. Mary's is situated at the very heart of Oxford - it is around this church that the university grew. In the Middle Ages, when the university still had no buildings and the scholars lived in their teachers' houses it was the centre of university life.
The earliest part of the church is the Tower erected in 1280 while the wonderfully ornate spire was added to it in the years 1315 - 1325. If you feel up to it, climb the 124 steps to its top to admire the marvellous view of Oxford and the area around it.
It was at St. Mary's that the three Anglican bishops (see my tip on the Three Martyrs): Latimer,
Ridley and Cranmer were put to trial before being burnt at the stake. It was here that Cranmer listened to the sermon pointing out his alleged 'crimes' on the last day of his life and was made to swear that the hand, his hand, that had signed papers proclaiming his 'outrageous' Protestant beliefs would be the first to feel the flames of the pyre.
St. Mary's is worth visiting also for the sound of its magnificent organ and one of the best choirs in Oxford. Don't miss the Gift Shop, which offers Oxford guidebooks and souvenirs, rather more interesting than those available at other Oxford shops. If you are exhausted after climbing the Tower, you will find refreshments in their coffee shop. For details, see my Oxford restaurants tip.
Church and Tower open: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., July - August 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sundays 11.45 - 5 p.m.
Last entry to the Tower 30 mins before closing
Admission to the Tower: adults 2.50 GBP, children 1.50 GBP, concessions 2 GBP

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin is a lovely church with a special place in the history of Oxford. The main body of the church was rebuilt in the 15th century, although the tower is 13th c. and the spire is 14th c. The first university library was established here, and it's said that the first gathering of masters and students took place here possibly in the 12th century. It was also the site of the trial of the Oxford Martyrs - Bishops Latimer and Ridley and Archbishop Cranmer who were tried for heresy (as protestants) under the Catholic Mary Tudor in 1555. You can see where a pillar has been modified to fit in the platform where Thomas Cranmer was tried. There are also some interesting monuments, including that of the unfortunate Amy Robsart, the wife of Robert Dudley (Elizabeth I's favourite).

Most visitors probably come for the view of the city from the tower. Entry to the tower is £2.50, and it's open from 9 to 5 every day - and if you do mount the 127 stairs to the top, believe me it is worth it. You can walk all around the sides of the tower, not only looking at the view, which is spectacular, but also examining up close the gargoyles adorning the sides of the structure. You get an especially good view of the Radcliffe Camera and a couple of the colleges.

This is a beautiful old church in Oxford which has a very impressive external view. Unfortunately as it was Easter weekend, we couldn't take pictures inside! But for a small minimal fee of ?2.50 you can climb up into the church for spectacular views of Oxford. Something worth looking at.

If you turn right on High Street into Radcliffe Square you will pass this magnificient church. The tower is one of the highest in Oxford and there is beautiful details on it. The stained glass windows inside the church I've heard are worth checking out too.

All Souls is a college without any students - without any undergraduates, that is. Becoming a fellow of All Souls is quite an honor. "High Table" is supposed to be quite an experience.

This is a view of a corner of its quad, looking out toward the spire of the University Church.

Oxford was a Saxon town at a point where River Cherwell meets The Thames.
The first college was built in the 13th century & one of them was called 'university'.
Today, there are 39 colleges spreading over Oxford.
Snapped the 2nd photo ! Climbing up the winding steps to the top of St. Mary's Church; The middle tower (in the distance) is Exeter College Chapel.CONTINUE WITH THE AERIAL-VIEW PHOTOS THAT I TOOK FROM ST. MARY'S CHURCH TOWER...

Oxford was a Saxon town at a point where River Cherwell meets The Thames.
The first college was built in the 13th century & one of them was called 'university'.
Today, there are 39 colleges spreading over Oxford.
The church is St. Mary The Virgin.
It is a good sight with a handsome tower...
It is told that no visit to Oxford is worth if not climbing the 127 steps to the tower gallery for an uninterupted views across the whole of the city !

This church was once the focal point of Oxford University, where the first University ceremonies and meetings were held. Until recently, the church was home to the Convocation Coffee House, a historic cafe dating from 1320. This cafe closed in 2002, owing to bad business. In addition, don't miss the great views of Oxford from the tower of the church.

First mentioned in the Domesday Book, one of the best views of Oxford is from the magnificent tower, which was built in the 13th century, the nave dates from the 15th and 16th centuries.
St Mary's is both a parish church, and the official church of the University of Oxford. Its fascinating history and its location in the heart of the City draws large numbers of visitors. In recent years it has often been designated 'the most visited parish church in England'.