St Oswalds Church

St Oswald's is a very active church and there is always a warm welcome to anyone who wants to join in and make a difference.

This magnificent building stands on the corner of Church Street and School Lane and was referred to by George Eliot as the "finest mere parish church in England". Its 212-foot spire presides over the town.

The current building replaced an earlier Saxon church and construction is believed to have started in 1240, probably lasting until the early 14th century. It is named after Oswald of Northumbria with a brass plaque in the chapel on the south side of the church commemorating its dedication on 24 April 1241. The church is listed as a Grade I building. Impressive stained glass windows adorn the church including a Christopher Whall window dated 1905 with chapels containing historic funerary & monuments which have contributed greatly to the church's renown.

The churchyard near the main gates is heavily planted with spring bulbs and is worth a special visit in February to see the snowdrops and in March / April for the daffodils. Also in the churchyard are two war graves.

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