An imposing church in the Early English style, Uffington St Mary's rightfully holds a place amongst England's Thousand best churches (as selected by Simon Jenkins). Time has been kind to this building and it retains most of its original features.
Time may have been kind but fate has removed the spire which collapsed in 1740 (“then was Uffington stepel beat down by tempas, wind, thunder and liten”). The tower being restored with an extra tier. Nor was this the only calamity to befall the church, in the latter part of the 17'th century Civil War raged across England and the church was reported as 'ruinated', perhaps an over dire conclusion but certainly some rebuilding of the nave was required (where the windows in the West wall can be seen to be different). Evidence of this rebuilding can also been seen in the re-use of window masonry in the wall structure.
Dating from around 1250 the church is of a cruciform nature, with the fine high arches and windows of the period. Much land and the local manor was held by Abingdon Abbey and it can be guessed that Uffington owes this fine structure to that association. Some evidence suggests that there may well have been an associated religious house or monastery at Uffington.
Inside one is struck by the grandeur and fine lines of the structure. The essential austerity of the nave being contrasted with the finery of the chancel. The chancel sanctuary being protected by an arch, just past which is the medieval sedilla in the south wall, this provides seating for the three priests celebrating mass.
The south transept features a Jacobean memorial to John Saunders, a local justice of the peace. Unusually he is depicted laying on his side, his gaze scrutinising the populace as they enter and leave the church. The north transept features a fine Renaissance memorial, below which is a large muniment chest for the church records, its false bottom has alas revealed no treasures. The east wall of the North transept has two alter recesses, most probably used by monks for celebrating mass, again evidence of this churches association with a local religious house.
Sitting in a fine level graveyard, with mature yew trees, this church is normally open to welcome visitors. Photographed in August 2011 for theChurchPhotographer by Nick Temple-Fry.
