← Database

St Martin

Sandford St. Martin

Oxfordshire

C13, late C14 and C15, restored 1856 by G.E Street

Architectural Features

The narrow parapetted north aisle is probably C13 but has three square-headed late C14 windows of two ogee lights, and has a renewed lancet to east

The clerestory has fine C15 square-headed windows in deep casement mouldings with richly-cusped tracery

The C15 crenellated three-stage tower, with diagonal buttresses and a deep moulded plinth, incorporates a large early-Decorated three-light window, with cusped intersecting tracery, above the west doorway which has a label over a casement moulding and has traceried spandrels

the top stage has two-light traceried openings and there are gargoyles on the parapet string

The C13 south arcade has circular piers and moulded capitals

The south aisle has a small C14 piscina with a large foliage finial

The interior of the south porch has a ribbed quadripartite vault and conceals the richly-moulded C14 south doorway

The roofs of the nave and aisle are in C15 style with arched braces rising from wallposts, but are probably wholly C19

In the tower arch is a vigourous C19 screen with canopied and crocketted arches and much carved decoration

A large C15/C16 parish chest stands below the tower

The C12 font with crude chevron carving has been partly recut to fit an octagonal stem

In the chancel are wall monuments to Thomas Gylen (died 1637), with detached Ionic columns and an entablature carrying cherubs and an hourglass, and to William Croker (died 1709), with large Doric columns, a heavy segmental pediment and an achievement of arms

In the nave are wall monuments to John Lock (died 1714), with a Baroque surround of scrolls and foliage, and to Vice Admiral James Sayer (died 1776) in marble with elegant Classical detailing

There are also five hatchments

The stained glass includes two C14 fragments in the south aisle, a mid C19 east window, and a fine lancet of 1973 by John Piper

Photo coming soon