Hidden Highlights Tour
By the twelfth century, the University Church was at the heart of the growing medieval university. The students and academics of the university gathered in St Mary’s for special occasions such as the awarding of degrees, as well as for services. When the university as a whole needed to make decisions, all the academics (Members of Congregation) would meet in St Mary’s to vote on important matters in the Old Congregation House(now the café).
The oldest part of the church that remains is the tower, begun in the 1270s. The decorated spire was added in the early fourteenth century and is one of Oxford’s best-known landmarks. This is only the beginning of an exciting tale, woven over the centuries.
Join the Revd Dr Will Lamb, the Vicar, for a tour of the church as we explore some of its hidden highlights.