development appeal
The Development Appeal
The University Church of St Mary the Virgin is one of England’s most visited and historically important churches. In addition to being a centre for worship, more than 300,000 people per year visit as tourists and pilgrims, and the church is a popular venue for concerts, lectures and other
public events.
public events.
No comprehensive restoration project has been carried out since the late nineteenth century, and no major works have been undertaken on the interior in several generations. Almost every aspect of the building’s fabric now requires work that is beyond mere maintenance, and the increase in use has placed an unbearable strain on its antiquated facilities. The need for action to conserve St Mary’s and to equip it to meet contemporary needs is urgent.
We are delighted to announce the award of an Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £3.4million for the conservation and refurbishment of
the church building and Old Congregation House, and the development of learning and volunteering programmes.
the church building and Old Congregation House, and the development of learning and volunteering programmes.
The Vicar of St Mary’s, the Revd Canon Brian Mountford, explained further the importance of this lottery money to the church:
“I am delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has decided to make this significant award to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. It comes after long and careful consultation with local people, national bodies, and professional advisers as to what is best for this iconic Oxford building. In the process we have been helped to think about widening our educational outreach as well as the conservation of the fabric.
Everyone at St Mary’s is looking forward to being part of this challenging development and to the involvement of the local community in the process. As the work goes ahead both the church and the Vaults and Gardens Cafe will be faced with considerable temporary restrictions, but the end-product will be a transformation to see St Mary’s through the next fifty years. I would also like to thank once again the Clore Duffield Foundation, the University of Oxford, several trusts and many individuals for donations already made.”
“I am delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has decided to make this significant award to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. It comes after long and careful consultation with local people, national bodies, and professional advisers as to what is best for this iconic Oxford building. In the process we have been helped to think about widening our educational outreach as well as the conservation of the fabric.
Everyone at St Mary’s is looking forward to being part of this challenging development and to the involvement of the local community in the process. As the work goes ahead both the church and the Vaults and Gardens Cafe will be faced with considerable temporary restrictions, but the end-product will be a transformation to see St Mary’s through the next fifty years. I would also like to thank once again the Clore Duffield Foundation, the University of Oxford, several trusts and many individuals for donations already made.”
To sum up, we are addressing the following priorities:
exterior
Extensive repairs are required to the exterior stonework, including redressing the stone on the iconic 13th-century tower for the first time in a century.
interior
Clean, conserve and where appropriate restore the interior decoration, including windows, memorials, and the 15th century choir stalls. Renew electrical, gas and lighting services.
old library
The original library of the University, built in 1320, the Old Library has the potential to become one of Oxford’s most attractive public rooms, and a key resource for the parish itself. The provision of disabled access, toilet and kitchen facilities will open up to a wide audience a room that has largely been hidden from view for centuries. A major donation from the Clore Duffield Foundation will be supporting this part of the project.
education center
Establish an information and learning centre throughout the building. There is at present nowhere in Oxford that provides an overview and introduction to the history of the University. St Mary’s is the ideal location for such a centre, which would also explain the history of the church building itself.
how to contribute
You contribute to the Development Appeal by online giving through the Oxford University 'Oxford Thinking' campaign website ('give online), or by cheque accompanied by a Gift Aid declaration, which you can download as a printable pdf below ('by post').
proposed plans
proposed plans for the Nave:
proposed first floor plans:
