Oxfordshire church accused of harming historical significance by removing pews

Our Lady of Bloxham near Banbury took out the rows of seating to make way for a children’s play area seven years ago.

The removal has now been criticised with the Diocese’s consistory court finding it harmed the church’s architectural and historical significance.

Christopher Rogers, deputy chancellor of the Diocese of Oxford, has asked for four of the pews to be returned.

The current vicar and leadership team were not in charge at the time of the removal and according to the Telegraph, Mr Rogers said he had the “the greatest sympathy [for them] in having to deal with the mess left by their predecessors”.

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A Church of England has said the removal of Victorian pews at an Oxfordshire church was “highly unfortunate, to put it mildly”.