St Michael at the North Gate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Michael at the North Gate |
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| St Michael at the North Gate, Oxford | |
The Saxon tower of St Michael at the North Gate
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| Location | Cornmarket Street, Oxford |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | www.smng.org.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Michael |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Saxon |
| Years built | 1000–1050 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Oxford |
St Michael at the North Gate is a historic church located on Cornmarket Street in central Oxford, England. It stands where the old north gate of Oxford once was, back when the city had walls.
This church has been the official City Church of Oxford since 1971. This means it's the special church where the Mayor and other city leaders attend services. It has also joined with the parishes of two other important city churches.
The church has a tall tower that you can visit. From the top, you get a great view of Oxford. Inside the tower, you can also see an old clockwork machine that used to power the church clock.
Discovering St Michael's History
How Old is St Michael's Church?
St Michael at the North Gate is thought to be the oldest building in Oxford. It was first built around the years 1000 to 1050. The church's tower, which is still standing today, dates back to about 1040. This makes it a very old example of Anglo-Saxon architecture. The church was built using a type of stone called Coral Rag.
The Oxford Martyrs and the Prison Door
During the 1500s, some famous people known as the Oxford Martyrs were held in a nearby prison called Bocardo Prison. This prison was very close to the church. Before they died, their cell door was saved. Today, you can see this original cell door on display inside the church's tower.
Oxford's City Church Role
St Michael at the North Gate is currently the official City Church for Oxford. This means it's the church where the Mayor and other city officials go for important events. This special title used to belong to other churches in Oxford.
First, St Martin's Church at Carfax held the title. After St Martin's was mostly taken down in 1896, the title moved to All Saints' Church on the High Street. In 1971, All Saints' Church was no longer used as a church. It later became a library for Lincoln College. That's when St Michael's became the City Church.
The "Beating the Bounds" Tradition
Every year on Ascension Day, the church holds a special ceremony called "beating the bounds". This tradition helps to mark the old boundaries of the church's parish area. The vicar leads people around the old boundary stones. They put a chalk cross on each stone. Then, church wardens gently tap the stones with willow sticks, shouting "Mark, mark, mark!" as they do it.
Famous People at St Michael's
Weddings and Historical Figures
On April 25, 1859, the famous artist and writer William Morris married Jane Burden at St Michael's Church. Jane lived nearby on Holywell Street. You can see their marriage certificate displayed in the church's Saxon tower.
The pulpit used by John Wesley, a very important religious leader, is also on display in the church.
See also
- Anglo-Saxon architecture
- St Mary Magdalen, Oxford, another church to the north
- Bocardo Prison
