St Mary’s Church, Iffley

Saturday 27th January, 2pm
Ticket price £8

This will be an hour-long tour of the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Iffley, a fine example of late Romanesque architecture built in the 1160s. It was built by the Clinton family whose castle was at Kenilworth. There is evidence of female patronage in the design and the subsequent gift of the church to Kenilworth Priory, which was founded by the Clintons. The complexity of the symbolism throughout the church, including the geometry of the design, suggests educated and pious patrons. Apart from the early 13th century extension at the east end, the church is substantially as originally built. After the tour, an (unguided) walk through the village and down to Iffley lock and the river can be recommended.