St Barnabas Church, Oxford

St Barnabas Church stands in Jericho, a central district of Oxford beside the Oxford Canal. Built in the 19th century, it is a Romanesque basilica designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield to resemble early Christian churches in Rome and Ravenna. The church has a tall square tower in Italian style that rises above the surrounding streets. It was founded by Thomas and Martha Combe, who supported the Oxford Movement and left a blue plaque on the exterior. The Combes chose the site and commissioned the building to serve the poor of the parish. The church is notable for its Anglo-Catholic tradition and its ring of ten tubular bells that mark the hours. Its pulpit was added in 1887 with painted panels by Charles Floyce, replacing an earlier timber version now at a London church. Writers including Thomas Hardy, P. D. James and John Betjeman have mentioned or written about St Barnabas in their works. The poet Betjeman even composed a poem titled ‘St Barnabas, Oxford’ in its honour. Today the church hosts concerts, lectures and exhibitions throughout the year. Inside, visitors find a spacious nave with Romanesque arches and a distinctive campanile tower visible from outside. The walls and furnishings reflect the high-church tradition of its founders. The building remains open daily, allowing people to walk through its aisles and admire the craftsmanship. The nearby primary school continues the Combes’ original plan for a school in Cardigan Street. The church’s calm interior and architectural detail offer a quiet space in the heart of Jericho.