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All the United Kingdom England Oxford Annora's Tomb

Annora's Tomb

The weathered grave of a medieval anchoress who walled herself up in a cell attached to a church.

Oxford, England

Added By
Jillian Kern
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Saint Mary’s Church, Iffley.   David Hallam-Jones
Saint Mary’s Church, Iffley.   David Hallam-Jones
Annora’s tombstone in front of the filled window she once peered through.   jilliankern / Atlas Obscura User
  Snowdrop68 / Atlas Obscura User
Saint Mary’s Church, Iffley.   Erin Brierley
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About

Along the south side of an idyllic 12th-century Norman parish church, you'll find a weathered tombstone set against the wall. Look closer, and you’ll see an ancient, filled archway standing behind it.

The tomb marks the final resting place of Annora, a woman who lived in the mid-1200s. Its position against the church wall is no coincidence. This is where her anchorhold (a tiny cell) was most likely constructed.

Annora was an anchoress, meaning she voluntarily removed herself from society and spent her days confined within the cell. Anchorites were considered “dead to the world" after choosing to be reborn into a life of seclusion and prayer. As they were seen as a source of wisdom, they provided spiritual advice to members of the community.

Annora, a wealthy widow and daughter of a once-powerful baron, spent nine years living in the tiny cell. She was one of 92 documented anchoresses to live in England during the 12th and 13th centuries (there were only 20 male anchorites during this period). Annora, like other anchoresses, still had some contact with community members who sought her counsel. She was also sent gifts, including ones from King Henry III himself. The arch near her anchorhold was likely once a window through which she could view the church's altar and services.

Death was frequently on her mind, thanks to the coffin lid placed on her floor as a constant reminder of mortality. After she did die, Annora was buried in the same place she had served, between the church wall and the yew tree.

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Tombs Churches Religion Christianity Women Sacred Spaces

Know Before You Go

For extra enjoyment, leave from Oxford and walk across the Folly Bridge and down the Thames Path to Iffley Lock. From there, you'll find St. Mary's just across the lock and up the village road.

Community Contributors

Added By

jilliankern

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe, Snowdrop68

  • Kerry Wolfe
  • Snowdrop68

Published

February 5, 2018

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Sources
  • https://iffleychurch.org.uk/1the-original-plan-of-the-church/08-the-tower-and-the-south-wall/
  • https://iffleychurch.org.uk/?page_id=1972503?page_id=1972503
Annora's Tomb
Church Way
Iffley
Oxford, England
United Kingdom
51.727371, -1.238183
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Nearby Places

Folly Bridge

Oxford, England

miles away

Bate Collection of Musical Instruments

Oxford, England

miles away

Oxford Botanic Garden

Oxford, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Oxford

Oxford

England

Places 46
Stories 8

Nearby Places

Folly Bridge

Oxford, England

miles away

Bate Collection of Musical Instruments

Oxford, England

miles away

Oxford Botanic Garden

Oxford, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Oxford

Oxford

England

Places 46
Stories 8

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