Visiting St Mary Magdalen Church in Oxford

A wooden Saxon church, which stood outside the city walls near the North Gate, was destroyed by fire in 1074. It was subsequently replaced by a single-aisle chapel commissioned by Robert D'Oyly, the Norman Constable of Oxford.

In 1194, Saint Hugh of Lincoln oversaw a major reconstruction of the church. Features from this period, including parts of the chancel wall, the south aisle, and an altar dedicated to Thomas Becket, still survive to the present day.

The Carmelites founded a chapel within the south aisle in 1320. This space continues to serve the church today as the Lady Chapel.

The current west tower was built over a twenty-year period between 1511 and 1531. The south porch, featuring an additional room above it, was also constructed around the same time.

The church underwent a significant Victorian-era restoration, which included the construction of the north or Martyrs' Aisle by George Gilbert Scott and W. B. Moffatt. This interior was the first of its kind in the Gothic Revival style in Oxford, and the project also involved the removal of the original Norman arch to the chancel.

Architect William Wilkinson led works that altered the 13th-century chancel, including raising the floor before the altar and installing a new screen. During this period, the windows of the west tower were opened into the church and the bells were re-hung.

The church was formally recognized for its historical and architectural significance with a Grade I heritage listing on 12 January 1954.