Stretching around three quarters of a mile along the A3400, the road that runs between Shipston on Stour and Chipping Norton, Long Compton is an ancient village. There are signs of Roman, and even earlier remains locally but it was in Saxon times that the village was founded, originally just west of today’s church, in the field in which the bumps and dips in the ground betray the historical presence of buildings.

Much repeated local legend tells us that St Augustine, the patron saint of brewers, printers, and theologians, whose thoughts profoundly influenced the medieval worldview, and whose writings were one of the theological foundations of the Protestant Reformation, visited Long Compton in the 6th century. I had always thought he died in 430, so how reliable the legend is I’ll leave it to you to decide.

The church of St Peter and St Paul is itself largely 13th century and amply rewards the efforts of the visitor. Early in the 14th century the North aisle was added, and considerable restoration took place.

The south porch through which you enter is probably late 14th century and contains a 14th century tomb with a very badly worn effigy of a lady. You can see traces of the reticulated sidehair coiffure and flat cap of the early 15th century on the head that rests on a cushion. Her dress appears to have been a close-fitting bodice and loose flowing skirt. The hands were in prayer on the breast and the feet resting on a dog. Above the figure are the remnants of a canopy.

Once inside you are immediately aware of extremely recent alterations to the West end of the church, providing a new meeting room and domestic facilities which, after an initial gulp from an old traditionalist like me, clearly demonstrates a welcome commitment to the future of the church.