(The text of the Architecture and History pages is taken, with only very minimal changes, from Ruth Nineham’s “Church of St Mary the Virgin, Iffley, Historical Guide”, which is available as a printed and illustrated booklet for sale in the church for £3).
The Original Plan of the Church
This did not include the present Chancel (which was added in the thirteenth century). The original ground plan was based on squares and rectangles geometrically related to each other in one of the favoured ratios of the middle ages, one to the square root of two. Some say the perfect proportions were intended to reflect the harmony of heaven, while others say the proportions were arrived at for practical reasons.
They point out that when the builders were measuring out the ground plan on the site itself, they used ropes and pegs. They measured the diagonal of the square baptistery, and used it as a suitable length for the nave. This is in fact one to the square root of two. It is unlikely that the plans for the church were previously drawn on vellum.
Interior:
1. The Baptistery
2. The Nave
3. The Choir and under the Tower
4. The Chancel
5. The Windows
Exterior:
6. The West Front
7. The South Door
8. The Tower and the site of Annora’s cell
9. The North Door
10. Other exterior features
History
11. History of the Church
12. Annora of Iffley
Conservation
In 2017, the sheltercoat of the historic west and south doorways was renewed. The work was shortlisted for the John Betjeman Award, which celebrates excellence in the repair of places of worship.
Location
Please note that Iffley is not accessible for coaches or other large vehicles.