St. Mary Magdalene Church, Balscote

The original medieval Church of St Mary Magdalene in Balscote consists of chancel, nave, south aisle, and a slender south tower. It appears to have been rebuilt in the early 14th century, but retains a tub-shaped font and part of a tympanum, both of which may be late-12th-century. The tower has an octagonal parapet, and the lowest stage serves as a porch.

In the period 1800–23 the chapel was 'completely repaired' and given new pews and a gallery (since removed). In 1849–50 the chancel roof was repaired. There were extensive restorations in 1873; in 1921 the chancel roof and in 1926–7 the nave and tower were restored. In the interior are two 14th-century piscinae and a pulpit made up of 16th- and 17th-century woodwork from the continent.

There are 2 bells, one probably 19th-century, the other re-cast in 1756.

Historical information about the Church of St. Mary Magdalene is provided by British History Online. 'Parishes: Wroxton', in A History of the County of Oxford: Volume 9, Bloxham Hundred, ed. Mary D Lobel and Alan Crossley (London, 1969), pp. 171-188. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/oxon/vol9/pp171-188 [accessed 12 January 2023].

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene is a Grade II* listed building. For more information about the listing see CHURCH OF ST MARY MAGDALENE, Wroxton - 1299831 | Historic England.

For more information about the Church of St. Mary Magdalene see Parishes: Wroxton | British History Online (british-history.ac.uk).