St. Lawrence, North Hinksey, Berkshire

Description

The church of St. Lawrence, situated on an eminence at the north end of the village and formerly a chapel of ease to Cumnor, is a plain building of stone in the mixed styles, and consists of chancel, nave, south porch and a western tower of Early Norman date, with a pyramidal roof and containing 4 bells: the south doorway is a fine specimen of Early Norman, and on the south side of the chancel is a low side window of the same date; on the north side of the chancel is an arched recess, with zigzag moulding, probably a blocked hagioscope; in the church is a memorial to Thomas Willis (father of the celebrated Dr. Willis, and ancestor of Browne Willis, the antiquary), who died in the Royal cause at the siege of Oxford, Aug. 4, 1643; an inscription on the monument of William Finmore, fellow of St. John's College, Oxford, who died in 1647, begins thus: "Reader, look at thy feet; honest and loyal men are sleeping under them!" there are other memorials to the same family; in the churchyard near the porch is a fine old yew and at the east end the steps and shaft of a cross; this old church, with its rustic surroundings, is one of the most picturesque in the neighbourhood of Oxford, and has been repeatedly sketched by the late Mr. Ruskin and other artists; there are 160 sittings.

Church Records

The parish register dates from the year 1703.