The first record we find of Drayton Beauchamp is in connection with Robert, Earl of Morton, one of the most powerful barons who, in 1066, accompanied the Conqueror from Normandy. Either this Earl or his son founded the Church of Drayton; in any case, it is certain that the son was owner of the advowson. Early in the 13th century, William de Beauchamp or de Bello Campo held the Manor of Drayton and was patron of the Rectory, and although the Beauchamps held a portion of the Parish for only two generations, it was from them that it received its present name of Drayton Beauchamp. In 1377 the Manor came into the possession of the Cheyne family and continued with them until 1728. It was then sold to John Gumby Esq. of Isleworth and passed through his wife to the Manners family and was left by the Hon. Isobel Manners to her Goddaughter, Mrs. Caroline Jenney in 1837. It was held by the Jenney family until the death in 1999 of Miss Airmyne HarpurCrewe, granddaughter of the late Sir Vauncey HarpurCrewe died 1924 of Calke Abbey Bt., one of the largest landowners in Derbyshire in his day. Airmyne was born into the Jenney family in 1919 and like her brothers before her assumed the surname of HarpurCrewe when she became the ultimate heiress of Sir Vauncey. The current patrons are the Bishop of Oxford and Mr A R Pegg of Ticknell, Derbyshire. The present church dates from the 15th century when it was restored and partly rebuilt from materials used in the earlier structures. The north door still remains with its continuous moulding dating from the 15th century, while the Norman font, with its beautifully preserved moulded arches, dates from the 12th century. In the chancel will be found two fine brasses of 1368 and 1374 engraved by Waller and remarkable for richness of detail. The more elaborate is a portrait of Thomas Cheyne, shieldbearer to Edward III and grantee of the Manor, and the other is of his brother, William. A smaller brass, though damaged, clearly shows the beautiful vestments worn by a priest of this church, Sir Henry Fazakerley who died in 1531. The east window, with ten of the Apostles in beautiful stained glass of the 15th century, is greatly prized. Each Apostle carries his emblem and over each is a portion of the Apostles Creed in Latin. There are further fragments of 15th century glass in the windows of the north and south walls of the chancel. The west window is also largely 15th century. In the chancel on the south side is a blockedup hagioscope or squint, and high above is hung a black breastplate dating from the wars between the Roundheads and the Cavaliers. In the south wall are also two sedilia and a piscine, trefoiled and quatrefoiled, both 15th century.

Website: http://www.parishes.oxford.anglican.org/draytonbeauchamp/