The Tower of the Church of St Mary the Virgin, a major part of Oxford’s historic skyline, has been restored after a two-year project
Oxford University's historic University Church of St Mary the Virgin has reopened, after undergoing its biggest restoration since the late 19th century. During a two-year restoration project, many enhancements to the Church have been made, including improved access to the tower and the Clore Old Library, which formed part of the very first University Convocation House. The restoration project has been led by the University Church Development team with architect Caroe Architecture Ltd. The Church was reopened on Friday March 8 by Canon Brian Mountford, HRH the Duke of Gloucester, Chancellor of the University Lord Patten, and Paul Hudson, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East Committee. The event also marked the launch of an exciting programme of education and cultural activities. Canon Mountford said: 'We are delighted with the results of this restoration project and we hope our congregation and hundreds of thousands of annual visitors will be just as pleased with the Church. 'Our attention now turns towards our education project, which will celebrate the Church's historic relationship with the community of Oxford and the University. Stuart McLeod, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East, said: 'This church holds a special place in the heart of historic Oxford.
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