This was a Saxon spring line settlement. The name Lewknor derived from Leofecanora, or Leofeca's slope, after its owner, since at least 990AD. In the 11thc. the manor of Luivechenora was held by Edith of Wessex, who in 1045 became queen consort of Edward the Confessor. The manor then passed to the Danish thegn, Tovi, who bequeathed it to Abingdon Abbey. Pope Eugenius III confirmed Abingdon Abbey in possession of Lewknor in 1146, but without mentioning a church. The first documentary evidence of it dates from 1200, and so its existence must date from the second half of the 12thc. The Abbot and convent of Abingdon were lords of the manor and patrons of the church until 1440, when it passed to All Souls College, Oxford. The N transeptal chapel was appropriated by the lords of the manor as a burial place, first by the Rolles family and from 1721 by the Jodrells.
Lewknor is now in the Thame benefice, together with Adwell, Crowell and Sydenham.