Acerca de

St Mary’s Church, Pyrton: A Historical and Architectural Jewel

 

St Mary’s Church in Pyrton holds a distinguished legacy dating back to before 987 AD when Archbishop Oswald of York endowed it with land. The present structure, designed by Oxford architect John Chessell Buckler, was rebuilt in 1854-1856. This restoration preserved key Norman features such as the Chancel Arch and South Doorway while extending the nave and improving its utility. The church's Grade II* designation, awarded in 1963, recognizes its historical and architectural importance.

 

Constructed from flint and brick with high-quality knapped flintwork and stone dressings, the church features a simple layout of a nave, chancel, vestry extension, and a bellcote atop the west gable. Inside, lime-plastered walls, tinted limewash, solid oak doors, and furnishings—including a Jacobean pulpit and Victorian pews—exemplify its timeless charm.

 

Architectural Highlights

•     South Porch: The porch retains its 14th century arch and gable with 15th century windows with “trefoil headers” on either side.

•     South Doorway: This early 12th-century Norman doorway was the original entrance and part of the Norman church. The limestone arch has two  rings of carved zigzags with a third outer ring of unusual decorations of grapes, leaves and fruit.

•     Chancel Arch: Another 12th-century Norman feature, The arch features an outer ring of fluted flat leaves with two moulded inner rings on horizontal stone plates decorated with a “star in a square” pattern. The tops of each upright are carved differently.
•     Windows: The chancel's north window is Norman, repositioned during the Victorian restoration, while the south window is a faithful Victorian replica. Stained-glass windows by Clayton & Bell (1893) grace the east and south-east nave walls.

•     Medieval Font: The font is probably Saxon (pre-1066) and is a lead-lined tub font with elegant oak and iron cover.

•     Historic Memorials: These include an important 13th century Purbeck marble slab commemorating vicar Richard de Gretton, who died in 1285, and a brass memorial to Thomas Symeon of Pyrton Court, died 1522, and his wife Margaret.

•     Pulpit and Chest: The oak Jacobean pulpit (1636) features carved relief panels and original metalwork, while a Cromwellian chest (1638) with iron bands and three locks resides in the vestry.

 

Community and Churchyard

The large churchyard, a Living Sanctuary, promotes biodiversity with millennium yew, vibrant flora and fauna and two ancient chest tombs.

Each March Pyrton celebrates “Daffodil Sunday” showcasing a splendid display of wild daffodils planted in the 1890s.
Pyrton Manor next to the church was built around 1600 and was the home of the Ducat-Hamersley family for over 200 years.

 

Cultural and Historical Legacy

The lychgate and church commemorate parishioners lost in both World Wars. In recent decades, enhancements in lighting and heating have preserved St Mary’s as a cherished cultural and spiritual hub. Its remarkable acoustics continue to attract musicians, making it a beacon of harmony and history.

 

For a more detailed history on Pyrton church, the parish, its houses, the 39 vicars of Pryton since 1534 and Shirburn since 1731 as well as the 28 men who gave their lives in the two World Wars, please visit St Mary’s and find a recent Pyrton History booklet written by Hugh Garforth-Bles. Copies are also available by emailing hughgarforthbles@gmail.com.