Saint Mary & Saint Nicholas, Littlemore

St Mary and St Nicholas Church, Littlemore

The Church of St Mary and St Nicholas in Littlemore, Oxfordshire, is a Grade II* listed building renowned for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Founded in 1836 by John Henry Newman, later Cardinal Newman, the church was designed by architect H.J. Underwood. Newman, who was then the Vicar of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford, recognized the need for a place of worship in the Littlemore area, which was distant from the main parish. The foundation stone was laid by Newman's mother, Jemima, and the church was consecrated on 22 September 1836. (en.wikipedia.org)

In 1847, Littlemore became its own parish, and the chapel was renamed the Church of St Mary and St Nicholas. The church underwent significant additions in 1848, including the construction of the chancel and tower by architect Joseph Clarke. The building is constructed of coursed limestone rubble with ashlar dressings and features a steep-pitched tiled roof. Its Early English style is evident in the lancet windows, buttresses, and the triple lancet east window adorned with dogtooth ornament and shafts. (historicengland.org.uk)

The interior boasts a chancel roof with five-sided coupled rafters and arched braces rising from wooden angel corbels with elaborate bosses. The nave roof, though not original, features seven-boarded trefoil trusses. A stone altar stands against richly decorated and gilded arcading with a triple sedilia to the south. The richly-carved oak screen of 1913 in the style of the 15th century is by F.H. Crossley and includes rood figures from Oberammergau. An elaborate four-tiered oak font cover of 1924 stands on a 13th-century font with pointed trefoil arcading divided by fleur-de-lys, brought from the Church of St Mary, Oxford. (historicengland.org.uk)

The church's stained glass windows are notable, with mid-19th-century glass in eight lancets by T. Willement, and two others (the easternmost in the nave) featuring figures from around 1887 by Morris and Co. The east window, dating from approximately 1900, was designed by Louis Davis, and the central pair in the nave's north wall, also from around 1900, were created by Shrigley and Hunt of Lancaster. (historicengland.org.uk)

In 2020, the church underwent a significant transformation to meet the needs of the 21st century. The interior was redecorated, and historical features were cleaned and repaired. A new west gallery was installed, housing the organ, with a fully fitted kitchen and toilets beneath. An underfloor heating system, new lighting, and a public address system were also added, making the church a warm, light, and welcoming space for both worship and community activities. (oxfordmail.co.uk)

The church has been recognized for its efforts in community engagement and preservation. In 2021, it received an Oxford Preservation Trust Award for the "Newman Meeting Place" project, which included the restoration of the vestry and tower area, creating a large room for the Junior Church and small groups. The project also involved new heating, lighting, redecoration, and chairs, transforming the Grade II* building into a welcoming meeting place for the whole community. (ohct.org.uk)

Today, the Church of St Mary and St Nicholas continues to serve as a vibrant center for worship and community activities. It hosts exhibitions, performances, and community arts engagement throughout the year, reflecting its commitment to serving the needs of the Littlemore community. (artweeks.org)

The church's rich history, architectural beauty, and dedication to community engagement make it a significant landmark in Littlemore and a testament to the enduring legacy of its founder, John Henry Newman.