Church of All Saints, Cuddesdon

The Church of All Saints stands in the quiet Oxfordshire village of Cuddesdon. Built in the 12th century, it is one of England’s oldest parish churches and holds Grade I listed status. Abingdon Abbey founded the parish around 1180, and the earliest parts of the church date from that time. In the 19th century, Benjamin Ferrey restored the chancel in 1849, and G. E. Street led further restorations between 1851 and 1853. The church became a listed building in 1963. The church belongs to the Liberal Catholic tradition within the Church of England. It forms part of the Benefice of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Diocese of Oxford. Ripon College Cuddesdon, an Anglican theological college nearby, sends students to daily evensong. Several notable clergy have served here, including Robert Runcie, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury. Others include bishops of Salisbury, Winchester, Derby and Edinburgh, all of whom began their ministries in this small church. Inside, the church retains its medieval structure alongside Victorian improvements. The restored chancel shows Ferrey’s careful work, while Street’s changes blend with the original design. The building sits close to the college grounds, linking its spiritual life with academic study. Visitors find a peaceful place of worship with centuries of history in every stone. The village itself offers a quiet retreat just outside Oxford.