This decorated Anglo-Norman column was once part of Eynsham Abbey. It dates from the second half of the 12th century.
Anglo-Norman architecture is a style of medieval architecture used in England following the Norman conquest of 1066. It is sometimes called the Romanesque English style. Romanesque architecture was used in European building in the 10th–12th centuries, and became popular in England from the beginning of the 11th century – although the English style diverged somewhat from the French style over time. Anglo-Norman architecture evolved from the late 12th century into the Gothic style.
‘Our’ column, which was found in a garden in Newland Street, is circular and carved to create raised diagonal lines. In the spaces between the overlapping lines, you can see what looks like the remains of flower or other raised ornamentation.