the present church first appears in historical records in 1254, and parts of the chancel and south wall of the nave date from this period. By 1327 (the next historical reference) the church, with the exception of the west wall, had taken on the basic form we see today
In the 15th century, the roof of the nave was raised to accommodate the clerestory and several chapels. Two flights of steps in the centre of the north and south walls are all that remain. The large window on the south wall also dates from that century, as do the slightly later east windows of both aisles.
The 16th century saw the religious upheavals of the Reformation. The parish records have been lost, but the Royal Coat of Arms above the north door and the removal of the figures from the chancel screen presumably date from the introduction of the new Prayer Book (1548).
The most dramatic change occurred in the 17th century. The massive west tower had a tall spire, which fell down in 1634, causing much damage to the rest of the church. Rebuilding was halted by the Civil War and King Charles I had the bells melted down for artillery. The Crown did not honour its pledge to replace them, and new bells were not hung until 1791.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the church interior was remodelled to conform to Anglican principles. A new roof, new glass in many of the windows, a new vestry and south porch as well as plaster work, tiles and pews date from this period. From 1858 the work was directed by G. E. Street.
The church clock was replaced in 1833. Twentieth-century changes include the pulpit and lectern by Franklins of Deddington (early 1900s), the organ by Binns of Leeds (1912), stained glass windows (1924 and 1936), kitchen (1994) and the replacement cross over the south porch (1996). In 1994 the parish was granted a coat of Arms; the Letters Patent are displayed in the north aisle.
history lesson over. so now on to pthe hunt.
The cache id placed at: N 51 58.ABC W001 19.DEF
Not far from the published co-ordinates is Freda Louise French 18AF - 19C3
Now take a short walk further into the churchyard and find the Watson family gravestone of Sarah, Rachel, James and Alfred.
James died at what age? use the second number for D
What was the date that Rachel died? 18?B
At the bottom of the gravestone is a two line inscription. How many lettersin the last word of the top line? E
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