GloucestershireLOWERODDINGTONStNicholas(ajdCC-BY-SA2.0)1 AJD

St Nicholas

A village parish church distinguished by a magical woodland setting and an entire wall of medieval wall paintings.

Oddington, Gloucestershire

Opening times

Open daily.

Address

Church Road
Oddington
Gloucestershire
GL56 0XE

Located at the end of a small lane some 1/4 mile from the centre of Lower Oddington village. The church is composed of a very high, flat ceiling nave, a large south aisle, south chapel and porch, and central tower. It originally had a north door as well, but this has been partially bricked up to form a window. The church was begun some time in the 12th century, and is very simply adorned, with a three-arch nave arcade and Early English chancel arch.

St Nicholas is a very attractive church in a lovely rural setting, but there is nothing strikingly compelling about the exterior architecture to attract visitors. But as soon as you enter the church,  you see the real reason why it is worth making a special trip to Oddington. Against the north wall of the nave is a superb medieval wall painting, perhaps the largest 'Doom' painting in Britain.The striking Doom is not the earliest wall painting in St Nicholas church; that honour is reserved for a small 13th, or possibly 14th, century image in the south chapel, thought to represent a nativity scene or a life of the Virgin Mary. There are also some interesting carved stone corbel heads in the nave, and faded traces of colourful paint on the 12th century arches. Over the chancel arch is a painted rendition of the royal coat of arms of William IV, superimposed on a medieval painting. It is unusual to find William's arms; the only other Gloucestershire church to contain them is at Painswick.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Andrew

Kingham, Oxfordshire

St Andrew's has been at the heart of Kingham since the 12th century and is a beautiful, peaceful church to visit.

All Saints

Churchill, Oxfordshire

A beautiful church in the Georgian gothic revival style, built in 1837, with a bright interior with clean lines.