Following our successful restoration appeal we had enough funds to re-tile the church roof and redecorate the interior. This work started on 5th October 2009 and was completed just in time for us to hold our Carol Service there on 20th December. As well as our usual service of biblical and secular readings, we formally reopened and gave thanks for the restored church, and our carols were accompanied for the first time by a wind band comprising the rector and five villagers.

Water Stratford church is notable for:
Revd John Mason, Rector 1674-94.
An early hymn-writer who influenced Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley and John Keble, and who was a direct ancestor of John Mason Neale. He is buried in our churchyard but the location is not known, so a memorial on the outside of the west wall was unveiled by the Bishop of Buckingham on 7 June 2008. Mason's most famous hymn, 'How shall I sing that majesty', may have been inspired by the Norman tympanum above the South door showing Christ in Majesty (see photo album). Another tympanum above the North door shows either the Lamb of God or the Holy Hind of St Giles.

Revd Joseph Bosworth, Rector 1858–76.
At the same time he was also Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University. This post was held by JRR Tolkien from 1925-45, by which time it was called the Rawlinson and Bosworth professorship. Bosworth was buried in our churchyard on 2nd June 1876.

Much more information on these two men and about our church is available on our website.

Calendar of forthcoming services and events

List of all services and events in this benefice

Other information