St Oswald’s Farnham

Parish Meeting Agenda

St Oswald's Church Farnham

Here is an old description of the church: "The chancel is remarkable for its size and dignity; it was built on an unusual scale for so small a church. Its date appears to be about 1180. It is thought that an earlier Norman nave existed at this time but, if so, all trace has been lost. Three bays of the present north aisle were erected about the year 1200 and the south aisle of three bays was added some hundred years later. The south aisle has a peculiar treatment of the junction of arch and pier. About 1330 the south aisle was extended westward by the present, late Decorated arch but the north aisle does not appear to have been lengthened until about 1480, this arch on the north side being Perpendicular in character. The present low tower (about 1500) was built inside the west end of the nave, its piers being placed inside the nave but not touching its walls." (C. Hodgson Fowler, Durham)
To celebrate the millennium the church embarked upon an extensive programme of improvements, including kitchen and toilet facilities, replacement of the floor in York stone and new inner doors. In the same year the Village presented the church with a clock, which can now be seen on the south aspect of the tower. The registers dating from 1569 are complete. The three bells are dated 1611, 1631 and 1774. All three are in regular use.
Today Farnham is (with five other churches) part of the parish of Walkingham Hill.