Church of St Mary, Bampton

St Mary's Church is a Grade I listed building whose structure reflects several building periods from Anglo-Saxon times through the medieval era. Its south transept contains a Norman doorway marked by decorative chevron patterns and carved stone details that showcase the craftsmanship of that period.

The church took root during the Anglo-Saxon period and rose to importance in 1069 when William the Conqueror granted it to Bishop Leofric of Exeter. This connection to a powerful ecclesiastical figure helped secure its standing as a significant religious center.

The church displays medieval brass memorials set into the chancel floor that show local clergy and prominent community members from past centuries. These hand-crafted tomb markers offer a window into the lives of people who shaped the village.

Access is best during daylight hours, and convenient roadside parking sits beside the building near the local library. Visitors should prepare for walking on stone paths and uneven ground surfaces typical of accessing the interior spaces.

The lower section of the west tower displays traditional herringbone stonework from the original Anglo-Saxon building phase, demonstrating the durability of early construction methods. These visible stone layers from that remote period offer a rare glimpse into ancient building practices.

Location: Bampton

Inception: 10 century

Architects: Ewan Christian

Architectural style: Anglo-Saxon architecture

Website: http://bamptonchurch.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.72780,-1.54878

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06