The church which featured in hit period drama Downton Abbey has undergone urgent repairs.

Much of the outdoor filming for the television series and later films took place in the village of Bampton and St Mary’s was used as a filming location for Lady Mary’s wedding to Matthew Crawley. 

Churchgate House was also used as the set of Crawley House, the residence of Isobel and Matthew Crawley.

Fans still regularly take coach trips to the village and church warden Darrell Jacobs said about 22,000 visitors go to see the church each year.

But both of the flat lead roofs on the south side of St Mary’s had deteriorated allowing water to leak near the organ and the main entrance porch.

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After applying to the Oxford Diocese and grant giving bodies, St Mary’s Community Church Council finally raised the £120,000 needed to preserve the 12th century building.

Local fundraisers also staged many talks, concerts and social gatherings including “Tea and Tea Cakes”, the Barn Dance and the Beer Festivals.

The project began on September 2 and the planned completion date is November 25. 

Mr Jacobs said: "We thank our benefactors – the FCC Communities Foundation, the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, and the Benefact Trust – for their generosity.  

"Without their contributions the project would not be possible. We also thank all those who have helped in any way to prepare for the work."