St Andrew |
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Wheatfield
Church is set in old parkland,
on the slope of a hillside
leading northwards from the
private road leading to what
was Wheatfield House. The
house itself was destroyed in
1814, leaving only the old
stable block in ruins, and it
would appear these have now been
renovated into new
accommodation.
The church itself is, or
was, mediaeval, but when the
Rudge family purchased the Manor
and the Estate in 1727, they
added fenestrations [1] and a
parapet to the walls, a
classical entrance porch to the
west end [2], four round-headed
windows in each of the north and
south walls, as well as the east
and west windows.
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The Rudges also updated
the interior to the standards of the period, with a two-decker pulpit
and box-pews of varying heights were added.
The Rudge/Spencer pew is
longitudinal along the south wall, and looks straight at the pulpit,
which in turn stands in the north-east corner of the nave [4 & 6].
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The
other pews face towards the altar.
Overlooking all is a large memorial
to
John Rudge, by Scheemakers in 1739, in
the 'Baroque' style.
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The church
is currently used as a store
(2002) and there is much
deposited in the pews and nave.
However, candle-sticks with
candles remain in place [3 &
4], and there is a
semi-expectant air of a building
waiting to be woken up. No key
could be found to open the west
door of the church, and ell that
could be done was to take
pictures through the dirty
windows. The results can
be seen above, and give an
indication of the glories which
still lie within.
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Dove's reference for the bells: |
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Blackbourton, Oxon, S Mary V (GF), 5, 6cwt in B flat.
Anti-clockwise; unringable.
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ACCESS In the centre
of a field (previously parkland)
to the north of the private road
leading to the old mansion
house.
The church appears to be kept
locked, and the key-holder was not
specified on any visible notice
board. (Sept. 2001)
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Please see our
Home Page
for important copyright notice |
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SEARCH THIS SITE |
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This
site has been constructed by, and remains the copyright of,
its authors,
Edwin and Sheila Macadam,
Shelwin, 30, Eynsham Road, Botley,
Oxford OX2 9BP
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July 2001 -
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