A History of St Nicholas Church is available, written by the late Tony Kelly. More interesting than your average church history and guide! it's full of incident and anecdote, as well as information. You can buy a copy for £4 at the back of church - please put your money in the wall safe to the left of the main door.

church history book

This ancient parish church has been cared for and altered through the centuries. It has 'grown with the growth of the community to which it belonged ... changed with its changes', and so it is 'a village church in its true sense, its stones and timber a living part of the life about it'. (G.N.Clark, Marston Church, 1930)

1122 King Henry I granted the chapel of Marston to the Austin canons of St Frideswide's Priory, the most important monastery in Oxford
Late 12th century Central part of church built of Headington stone: Chancel arch and seven arches of the nave. South door.
15th century Tower built; aisles widened; roof raised and clerestory built. East window.
16th century South aisle rebuilt; south porch repaired.
1883 Major restoration. Gallery at west end removed; tower arch opened up; new floor laid; new chancel roof.
1956 Exterior of church restored and tower strengthened.
1962 Gallery at west end restored.
1965 Chapel in south aisle dedicated.
1966 Most of roof re-leaded.
1977 New vestry added on north side.
1989 Restoration of murals above chancel arch.