English Heritage sites near Merton Parish
NORTH HINKSEY CONDUIT HOUSE
10 miles from Merton Parish
Roofed conduit for Oxford's first water mains, constructed during the early 17th century.
DEDDINGTON CASTLE
11 miles from Merton Parish
Extensive earthworks marking the site of an 11th century motte and bailey castle.
NORTH LEIGH ROMAN VILLA
12 miles from Merton Parish
The remains of a large, well built Roman courtyard villa. The most important feature is a nearly complete mosaic tile floor, patterned in reds and browns.
ABINGDON COUNTY HALL MUSEUM
14 miles from Merton Parish
This splendid 17th century Baroque building housed a courtroom for assizes, raised on arches over a market space. It now houses the Abingdon Museum.
MINSTER LOVELL HALL AND DOVECOTE
16 miles from Merton Parish
The extensive and picturesque ruins of a 15th century riverside manor house, including a fine hall, south-west tower, and complete dovecote nearby. The home of Richard III's henchman Lord Lovell.
ROLLRIGHT STONES
19 miles from Merton Parish
Traditionally a monarch and his courtiers petrified by a witch, the Rollright Stones consist of three groups: the King's Men stone circle; the Whispering Knights burial chamber; and the single King Stone. They span nearly 2,000 years of Neolithic and Bronze Age development.
Churches in Merton Parish
Merton: St Swithun
Church Close
Merton
Bicester
(01869) 247813
The church of St Swithun is almost entirely 14th Century. At one time it boasted a spire and peal of bells, but when the spire became unsafe, it had to be taken down and the work was financed by the sale of all but one of the bells. The church clock also became defunct and a few years ago the engine was replaced by an electronic device linked to the master clock at Rugby. The old engine is now on display within the church.
The church is large enough to seat 200, but has no permanent system of heating. During the summer months, whilst it is warm, the whole church is used for worship. To avoid the need to heat the whole church in the winter, the PCC has installed a large folding screen to allow the church to be used for services. This permits the small area to be made attractive and warm, using portable gas heaters and can support services for up to 40 people.
St Swithun is fortunate to have the services of some very gifted flower arrangers, and for special occasions the church is decorated in a spectacular fashion e.g. at Harvest, Christmas and for flower festivals.
Merton is one of 8 parish churches within the Ray Valley Benefice.
The Ministry Team comprises:- A Rector - The Revd Stephen Hayes, 01869 247813 [email protected]
Revd Lucy Thirtle, 01865 379470, with responsibility for Islip, Woodeaton and Noke
Revd. Lisa Holmes, curate in the Benefice
Mrs. Glenys Edwards, Licensed Lay Minister, based in Oddington, 01865 331233
Mrs. Lynne Lewis, Benefice Administrator, 01869 247813.
Pubs in Merton Parish
Plough Inn
Plough Inn, Merton