Historic church to be redeveloped

A special thanksgiving service took place on Sunday

One of Oxford's oldest buildings is to be turned into a museum.

The 800-year-old Church of St Cross in Holywell is to house Balliol College's collection of historical artefacts, which will go on public display.

More than £1m has been earmarked for the development. The collection includes letters from the writer TS Eliot and a transcript of a Papal Bull.

An alternative use for the building was sought as attendances at services gradually decreased.

A special thanksgiving service took place on Sunday.

Reverend Brian Mountford said: "I think there's a whole catalogue of reasons why the church has faded a bit.

"Oxford has become a very multicultural community so there are lots of different faiths.

"Also, very significantly, it's not on a bus route and there is no parking here, that's a real handicap."

The church will not be deconsecrated and will still be used for occasional church services.