St Mary the Virgin, Iffley

St Mary the Virgin stands in the village of Iffley, now a suburb of Oxford. Built around 1160 in the Romanesque style, it was financed by the de Clintons of Kenilworth Castle. The church has changed little since then, keeping its round-arched windows and doorways. It is Grade I listed, showing its national importance. The east end was extended in the 13th century with a cell for the anchoress Annora.

The church holds two notable stained-glass windows. One, designed by John Piper and made by David Wasley in 1982, was installed in 1995 after being gifted by Piper’s widow. It shows the Tree of Life with five animals and Latin inscriptions about the birth of Christ. Opposite is a window by Roger Wagner, realised in 2012, depicting the Flowering Tree.

Inside, the nave and chancel remain largely as they were centuries ago. The stained-glass windows catch the light, adding colour to the stone walls. The church’s quiet setting contrasts with the busy city nearby. Visitors find a peaceful place where history and art meet in simple forms.