St Leonard'S
Tuesday: 09:00 - 16:00
Wednesday: 09:00 - 16:00
Thursday: 09:00 - 16:00
Friday: 09:00 - 16:00
Saturday: 09:00 - 16:00
Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00
About St Leonard'S
This pretty village church was rebuilt in flint in 1845-6 on the site of the previous chapel which dated back to Norman times.
St Leonard'S Description
By 1406 the parish of St. Andrew, South Stoke had at Woodcote a dependent chapel that served both Woodcote and Exlade Street. [3] The chapel was dedicated to St. Leonard and there is a record from 1467 of John Chedworth, Bishop of Lincoln, issuing a licence for services at it. [3] Architectural evidence suggests that the chapel, which had an apsidal chancel, was much older and probably dated from the 12th century. [3]
The people of Woodcote and Exlade Street could not afford to pay a priest to serve at the chapel, and in 1597 it was recorded that the vicar of South Stoke held services at St. Leonard's only on Christmas Day, Easter Day and a few other days each year. [3] Some worshippers travelled 3 miles (4. 8 km) each way to South Stoke to go to church, but most preferred to travel less than 1 mile (1. 6 km) to SS Peter and Paul in the adjacent parish of Checkendon. [3] The law obliged everyone to worship in their own parishes, so since 1595 the Rector of Checkendon had prosecuted people from Exlade Street and Checkendon in the local archdeacon's court for coming to his church. [3] In response the faithful of Exlade Street and Woodcote petitioned John Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury for permission to worship at Checkendon. [3] Whitgift granted the request, so long as they continued to attend their parish church in South Stoke four times a year. [3] In 1653 the faithful of Woodcote and Exlade Street petitioned for St. Leonard's to be made a separate parish, but their request was not granted. [3]
In 1845-46 St. Leonard's was rebuilt to the designs of the Gothic Revival architect H. J. Underwood. [3] [6] Of the original building little survives except the outer flintwork of the chancel walls. [3] [6]
Woodcote used to hold an annual sheep fair on the first Monday after St Leonard's Day (6 November). [3] The earliest known record of it is from early in the 18th century, but the link with the feast day of the parish's patron saint suggests the fair may have begun in the Middle Ages. [3] The fair was still being held in 1852. [3]
The Church is open every day. You are very welcome to use it as a place of rest and quiet.
Reviews
How many days til Christmas? We’ve got a way to go yet but if you’re already making plans you’ll want to know what’s happening at St. Leonard’s Church.
Christingle Service (The one with the oranges!). Sunday 16th December at 4pm.
Carol Service. Wednesday 19th December 7.30 pm.
... Crib Service. Christmas Eve at 4pm and Midnight Christmas Communion at 11 pm.
Christmas Day Family Communion 10 am.
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A moving tribute at the War Memorial.
A great effort by everyone who helped yesterday and made the St Leonard’s Fair such a wonderful event. Over £1700 was raised for church funds. Well done everyone.
https://www.facebook.com/42628586384/post s/10156935551436385/
‘We will remember them’. St. Leonard’s pays tribute to the soldiers of the Great War in this centenary year of Remembrance. Join us at the War Memorial at 10.50 am tomorrow morning when we remember those who fell in battle. Afterwards there is a Service of Remembrance in the church to which everyone is welcome.
Some of the beautiful flowers decorating St Leonard’s for today’s Harvest service. Thanks to Julet, Peggy and team for all the creativity and hard work.
A wonderful confirmation service for Linda at St Mary’s, Whitchurch-on-Thames.
We’ve had a great day at the Woodcote Steam Rally. Doing it all again tomorrow - come and see us if you can.
Beautiful wedding this afternoon at St. Leonard’s with Claire Jones playing the harp during the service. Claire played at another wedding a couple weeks ago - for Prince Harry and Meghan!
Linda preparing for today’s Pentecost service.
This is just three minutes of deep wisdom and blessing! Do listen if you can.
MP for Henley John Howell visited St Leonard’s for our Sunday service. He stayed for a chat and coffee with the rest of the congregation. (Pictured with churchwarden Barbara)
Tirzah, our new bell ringer in training. Len is supervising proceedings.
The displays from Easter Sunday are still doing us proud. The cross decorated by the children visiting the St Leonard’s hosted coffee shop is beautiful.
Well done to the fund raising team for organising such a fun quiz evening. £327 was raised for church funds. Only a few disputed answers, lovely food and much wine quaffed. A great night. The picture is the winning team, Somewhere in the Middle.
Footsteps...
Tonight’s ‘Big Silence’ is cancelled due to the exceptionally cold weather. Next week will continue as planned.
https://www.facebook.com/thechurchofengla nd/posts/10156202265516385
A wonderful Candlemas service at St Leonard’s yesterday.
More about St Leonard'S
Tuesday: 09:00 - 16:00
Wednesday: 09:00 - 16:00
Thursday: 09:00 - 16:00
Friday: 09:00 - 16:00
Saturday: 09:00 - 16:00
Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00