St Oswald’s church in Shipton Oliffe is Norman in origin, and still has elements of Norman architecture, although most of the present building dates from the 13th century. Its most distinctive external feature is its bellcote with twin bells. Inside the church are a few traces of medieval wall paintings and texts, and a really unusual 13th century piscina sticking out from the wall.
Shipton Oliffe and Shipton Solers were originally two separate parishes, amalgamated in 1871. As each had its own church, one inevitably became redundant. Because of its central place in the village, St Oswald’s became the main church while the neighbouring church at Shipton Solers was relegated as a cow-shed. Shipton Oliffe is named after the Oliffe or Olave family who held the manor there between the 13th and 17th centuries.
There is usually on-street parking available in the village close to the church.
****************** ********************
For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro@gmail.com.
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
****************** *******************