St Ebbe's is the oldest church site in Oxford, and dates back to the eighth century. Here we scan 1300 years of history, and look at developments at different stages. While medieval history is sketchy, the book captures what names are known, but does not speculate about what is unknown.

The church is located between 17th century Pembroke College, and the 21st century Westgate Shopping Centre. Its congregation is made up of two and gown. Until the 1960s St Ebbe's parish was made up of small terraced houses, many of which were regarded as slums. The 1960s brought mass demolition of the housing and gas works, and in its place some new housing, the shopping centre, and a multi-storey carpark.

This short book is in two parts.

PART l introduces the building - its plaques and ancient glass.

PART ll introduces several leaders, from Ebbe (8th century) onwards.

There are 21 illustrations.

It was a member of St Ebbe's who managed to get C S Lewis through his university entrance exam. Lewis was required to pass a maths paper which he failed first time. At one stage the university proctors banned students from going to the church. Poor sanitation in the parish led to three cholera outbreaks. Stories, stories....

We read of well-known names and lesser-known names in what is a remarkable story.