St Mary’s stands in the physical centre of the old walled City, and the university grew up around it. In medieval times scholars lived in houses with their teachers and the university had no buildings of its own, so it adopted St Mary’s as its centre. The church continued as a parish church, but by the early 13th century it had become the seat of university government, academic disputation, and the awarding of degrees.
The Oxford Martyrs ~Each of the three anglican bishops, Latimer, Ridley and Cranmer, who were burnt at the stake in Oxford during the reign of the Roman Catholic queen, ‘Bloody Mary’, underwent part of his trial in St Mary’s. Their principal crime was not to believe the doctrine of transsubstantiation, although Cranmer, as Henry VIII’s Archbishop, had also played a crucial role in the downfall of Queen Mary’s mother, Catherine of Aragon.
This bit of history at St Mary’s really was interesting to me to read…
John Wesley, founder of Methodism, often attended the University Sermon in his Oxford days, and subsequently, as a Fellow of Lincoln College, preached some of his most stirring sermons before the University here – notably the famous sermon the ‘Almost Christian’ in 1741. In 1744, again in St Mary’s, he denounced the laxity and sloth of the senior members of the University. He was never asked to preach here again. ‘I have preached, I suppose,’ I wrote, ‘the last time in St Mary’s. Be it so. I am now clear of the blood of these men. I have fully delivered my soul.’
While traveling I never have the time to thoroughly study the history of the places we visit. In preparing my posts for my blog, after the fact, I learn so much more information and history and I find out all the things I missed while visiting these amazing places. That’s why I always am ready for another trip to see the things I missed. There’s only so much my brain can absorb in a short visit.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
just gorgeous. i am not sure what you would call it … but it is almost kind your shots have a white cast to them? very calming. what a beauty. all those windows & arches. stain glass. this is my fave this week. thank you for sharing with us.
have a great weekend!! ( :
I kept going back to the shots of the ceiling – fantastic! So much history in this one building!
This leaves me speechless! Your banner photo is wonderful. Can I come for dinner some night? Tom The Backroads Traveller
Ha! Tom, we do enjoy meeting other bloggers…
Impressive place and history! Great pictures!
Interesting history here! The Oxford martyrs…and John Wesley…I suppose he was ready to face the music for saying what was on his heart.
Great pictures, Ellen!
Isn’t it great to notice a place you’ve visited when it shows up in a film or TV program. I just discovered Endeavor and since I loved the old Morse mysteries, it is a welcome addition! There will always be good reasons to return on visits to the UK!
I rest my case, you are an amazing tour guide!!! What a fantastic history lesson once again – oh, and the pictures are breathtaking!
Ellen, the stained glass is just so beautiful and intricate. You’ve showcased the setting very well, Ellen.
A fine shot of this venerable church. It’s history is fascinating,
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