St Mary the Virgin is full of history, from medieval memorials to twentieth-century commemorations. This guide explores some of the church’s most significant features in more detail.
Explore the Church
Font
The font at St Mary’s features a classic Romanesque tub design decorated with roses and acanthus leaves; it has occupied several positions in the church since medieval times.
Cedar Altar
Crafted in 2023 from a 250-year-old cedar felled in the churchyard, the altar’s bobbin-shaped support and carved shuttles recall Witney’s wool and weaving heritage.
Suspended Tombs
Two 14th-century effigies, thought to be John de Croxford and his wife, appear suspended above the former chantry chapel crypt they once lay within.
Chancel Ceiling
The 2018 renewal of the chancel ceiling commemorates Witney’s role in the First and Second World Wars among 75 gold-leaf stars. Discover the wartime history behind the design.
High Altar
Designed by architect G.E. Street in the 1860s as part of the Gothic Revival movement, with statues of the risen Christ and the saints inspiring devotion.
Batt Wall Memorial
A marble memorial to Edward Augustine Batt, an early advocate for mental health care in Witney, sculpted by Thomas Grimsley with an image of the Good Samaritan.
Chapel of the Annunciation
A quiet space for prayer and reflection, named for Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and home to the striking “Reflecting Virgin” statue.
Glass statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Andrew Logan’s 1993 mirrored-glass “Reflecting Virgin”, its iridescent blue robe echoing the traditional colours used to depict Mary.
West Window
Installed in 1869 by stained glass artist William Wailes, this window depicts Joseph and was a gift in memory of the Duke of Marlborough’s steward.
Wenman Tomb
A 16th-century chest tomb commemorating wool merchant Richard Wenman, his family shown in brass alongside an image of the Holy Trinity.
Henry Box Memorial
A Purbeck marble slab, all that remains of a grand tomb to Henry Box, founder of Witney Grammar School, now Henry Box School.
St George’s Chapel
A 13th-century chapel above a former crypt, home to a 1956 statue of St George, an aumbry for the reserved sacrament, and two icons.
Icons of St Luke & St Frideswide
Icons of the Gospel writer and healer St Luke and Oxfordshire’s patron saint St Frideswide, painted by iconographer Dr Irina Bradley.