St Matthew's Church, Langford, Anglo-Saxon church in Langford, England
St Matthew's Church is a Norman-period church building in Langford with a square central tower topped by a hipped roof. The tower contains six bells within its bell chamber and features carefully carved stonework throughout its exterior.
The building was constructed around 1050 and originally served as a chapel dependent on St Mary's in Bampton. Over time it grew in importance and became an independent place of worship for the local community.
The church displays memorial brasses spanning multiple centuries, with inscriptions showing clothing styles from different eras. Visitors can see the names and depictions of people from various periods recorded on these monuments throughout the building.
The church is open throughout the year and can be reached via Church Lane, which branches off from the A361 north of Lechlade on Thames. Visitors should note that parking is limited in the quiet village setting, so arriving early is advisable.
A sundial on the south side of the tower is supported by two stone figures wearing Scottish kilts, an uncommon architectural detail from the pre-Norman period. This carved stonework reveals an unexpected cultural influence in an English village setting.
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