The Church of St. Beornwald (part of the setting for The Unquiet Bones) is today basically unchanged from its medieval appearance. Except for the name: in the 16th century it was renamed and since then has been called The Church of St. Mary the Virgin.
The roof of this wonderful old church is in serious need of repair. Total cost of this rebuilding will be L390,000. This is a huge amount for a small town like Bampton. They have as of February, 2008, raised L170,000, with L220,000 yet to go. Work on the nave should begin in April, 2008. If the complete sum cannot be raised by 2009, the church may have to be closed as unsafe.
Contributions to the roof appeal will be gratefully received. Cheques should be sent to:
“Bampton CCC Church Roof Appeal, c/o Mr Chris Ruck, Oban House, Bridge Street, Bampton, Oxon, OX18 2HA.
Thanks for helping keep this beautiful old house of God open for the use and worship of future generations.
–Mel Starr