History of Marston Church

A new edition of the History of St Nicholas Church has just been published, written by Tony Kelly. It's available for £5 from the Village Stores, or from the church (but only after a service.)

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.