St. Laurence's Church

There is little doubt that a church – probably one built of wood existed in Saxon times, of which no trace can now be found. During the first half of the twelve century, this somewhat temporary building was replaced by one of more solid construction. Of this, the north wall of the nave, including a window and the north doorway, still survive.

The arch over the south door, which was built-in when the south aisle was added, may be the remains of an old saxon doorway. In 1783 Sir Abraham Hume had a new pew built on the south side of the nave, and in 1826 had the west end and belfry rebuilt. In 1883, the nave and chancel was renovated at a cost of £1,267.

A new and larger vestry was added to the church in 1910 and in that year the roof was extensively repaired owing to the ravages of the death-watch beetle. A new heating system was installed at the same time and the lych-gate was built in memory of the Rev. F.W. Greenstreet who had been rector from 1887 to 1906.

We will be featuring an in-depth look at St. Laurence’s Church later this year.