back to binsey

My last day here, and I shall probably not return for a long time, so I wanted to go back to Binsey, to visit this very special church.

The original Saxon church was built on the site of St Margaret's Well, and "the very pavement was worn away by the knees of pilgrims." St Frideswide , patron saint of Oxford, escaped the clutches of her suitor, Algar and fled to Binsey. Algar was blinded by lightning and Frideswide prayed to St Margaret of Antioch ,who caused a healing well to appear. Water from the well restored Algar's sight.

The present church dates from the 12th century. It has no electricity, services being held by candlelight.

Sarah played the old and creaky harmonium.

The well is still there, beside the church. It featured as the treacle (healing) well in "Alice in Wonderland". It is still a place of pilgrimage.