St Michael & All Angels,
New Road,
Great Tew,
Oxfordshire,
OX7 4AG
There has been a church on this site since before the Norman Conquest, but the building today is a blend of different periods of construction. The south doorway is Norman, and possibly the pillars in the nave. Much is 13th and 14th Century, with mediaeval wall paintings and decoration visible. There are stone effigies of a knight from ca 1320 and magnificent brasses to John Wilcotes and his wife, from 1410. There is a monument to the second Lord Falkland, who was killed at the Battle of Newbury, and a fine marble statue by Chantrey of Mary Anne Boulton. The church has many associations with the Boulton family, best known for the Soho Manufactury in Birmingham and partnership with James Watt on the steam engine. The church sits back from the road through a fine stone gateway, thought to be from the old manor house, and is surrounded by an atmospheric and peaceful churchyard.
All are welcome to attend services, which are usually held every 1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday of the month at 10.00 and last for about one hour. We are a typical rural church with Common Worship Eucharist services, with hymns and sung service music.
There is an special emphasis on children on the first Sunday of the month, where they read the lesson, lead the prayers and ask questions about the bible readings. On many other Sundays there is an informal Sunday School held at the back of the church.
There are special services to mark Harvest Festival, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas and Easter, including a popular village Carol Service.
There is an historic Williams organ dating from 1861/63 in the church. This was restored by Goetze and Gwynn in 2015/16. There are occasional organ recitals with guest organists – for details see Events. For special services there is a volunteer choir.
We welcome visitors to our services and also to spend time in the peaceful interior and quiet churchyard.
The church is open every day from around 9.30 to 17.00 or dusk in winter. The church is located about 100 yards from the road, and entry is through an imposing gateway down the path through the churchyard. Parking is available on the road and there are no parking restrictions.
If you are planning to visit with a group please call to let us know as sometimes there are special events such as wedding rehearsals or funerals. The wardens for St.Michael’s are Richard Veale and Rosie Rowe. You may contact them about specific issues related to St.Michael’s by email: Richard Veale: [email protected] Rosie Rowe: [email protected]
Visitors come from all over the world and are delighted by the building, its history and links to many famous people, its setting and above all its quiet peace.
