Originally positioned at the north gate of Oxford, St. Michael’s is the oldest remaining early medieval building in the city. It was probably built in the Dark ages, under the Saxons, because the Domesday Book records that the church was wealthy before the Norman Conquest in 1066.

It has not stood unaltered all this time. There were many changes throughout the Middle Ages to the interior of the church, and there were major repairs in the early 1950s after an arsonist attack, although the tower exterior remained unchanged.

The Church also has associations with various historical characters. Three protestant Bishops were held in the church tower before being burned to death in 1556. William Shakespeare was a godfather at a baptism here. John Wesley, a key figure in the Methodist church preached here in 1726.

The main display for Tourists to see is situated in the church tower. In here is a display of the church silver, from the 15th Century, the cell of the three bishops, the intricate clock mechanism, and of course the excellent view from the top. There is also a souvenir shop.

A vicar at St. Michael's was punished for not reading out a list of sports in church.