The Parish Church of St Helen in Benson lies in a large village on the River Thames about 12 miles from Oxford and at the foot of the beautiful Chiltern Hills.

The first church was built of wood by St Berin in about 636. Offa erected a stone building in the eighth century which probably lasted until the Norman period.  The Norman church consisted of a nave and chancel with little or no ornament.  In 1200 it was enlarged with the addition of two side aisles; the  side walls were replaced by pillars and the chancel was rebuilt to match.  The font dates from this period.  The lancet window in the east wall of the south aisle was originally in the corresponding position in the north aisle.  It was discovered, having been lost, when the vestry arch was cut through in 1861.  The main door dates from 1350 and is now preceded by a porch erected in 1923 in memory of Revd. J.E.Field who was Vicar for 41 years.  In 1350, along with other alterations, a new timber roof was built. In the reign of Henry VII a rood loft was erected and some traces remain.  

The current tower dates from the eighteenth century when it was built with a ring of six bells.  The expense was to be met from the revenue of the church lands and subscriptions but these fell short and the project was delayed for some years.  In the event eight bells, from a Mr Janaway of Chelsea, were hung in the tower at a cost of £164 and are still rung every Wednesday evening and for services.  The current ringing chamber was constructed as part of the re-ordering of the church in 1971 and the bells were re-hung in a new frame in 2009.

In 1806 the north aisle was reconstructed after the architect at the time noted it to be in a very decayed and dangerous state. Despite the work, the north walls continues to lean outwards.

The chancel was rebuilt after 1861 when plans to merely renovate it were scotched by the discovery that the foundations were insecure. The organ dates from 1903.  In 1971, as part of the re-ordering, the font was moved from the main door to the east end of the north aisle and an altar was placed on the chancel steps. The oak beams in the roof were cleaned and the carvings restored to their original colours.

In 1999 the roof was replaced again and the Canons' Room was built with a kitchen and toilets.  The Canons' Room is a good venue for meetings and parties seating about 60 people.  It is used every Sunday for refreshments after the Parish Communion.  Contact us for details of hire rates and availability.

Further information can be found in church including details of the vicars and churchwardens of the parish.  

Information about those buried in the main churchyard and the new churchyard on the other side of Church Road can be found using the documents on the right hand side of this page.  Please note that whilst records may indicate the names of those buried in the churchyard, not all graves are marked with monuments.
 

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