St Andrew's Church

St Andrew’s Church stands in the village of Old Headington, now part of Oxford’s Headington suburb. Built around 1160 in the Norman style, it began as a small church and later gained a south aisle and tower in the 13th century. In 1862, J. C. Buckler extended the nave, giving the building its present shape. The church is listed at Grade II*, recognising its architectural importance. It occupies a quiet corner on St Andrew’s Road, away from the busier streets of modern Headington. The church has changed its religious tradition over time. Originally in the Traditional Catholic tradition, it rejected the ordination of women in 2010. By 2018, the Revd Jennifer Strawbridge appeared as assisting clergy, and by 2024 it had moved to a liberal Catholic stance. These shifts show how the church has adapted while keeping its historic building. Inside, the nave and aisle create a simple, light-filled space. The Norman doorway and 13th-century tower arches remain visible. The churchyard holds old gravestones, some dating back centuries. A peaceful atmosphere lingers among the trees and stone walls. Visitors find a place where history and changing beliefs meet.