The first photos for the were taken in 2020 three years later I dropped in and found it open for cleaning and having flowers aranged for the harvest festival so I took the opportunity to get photos inside.
This is a church I never realised was there till finding it on a map one day, best of it is I only worked a mile or so away from the place many years ago. I took the opportunity for a quick visit on my way back from Longworth. Due to what has been happening of late it was locked. The only bit of history I could find was this
" The new church, designed by A. W. Pugin and dedicated to St Lawrence, was consecrated in 1847, with a font given by Queen Adelaide."
St Lawrence from the wall
The church is right beside the A420 going to Swindon and is quite a pretty little church
The church does not take up a lot of space
The porch is right at the West end
The West end was a little dark in the photo due to the sun but I edited the picture to make it clearer
The north side showing the vestry
Above looking West along the South side
This monument is over to the right from the gate
Looking down the North side of the church
Above the Commonwealth War Grave of Pilot Officer D Macg Brown. The headstone is erroded
His parents came from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Looking back West along the North side
As you walk around the East end you pass this seating area
I stopped to have a look at these two headstones. Richard Blackwell is the Son of Sir Basil Henry Blackwell who ran Blackwells Book shop in Oxford. Sumner Francis Austin was an opera singer.
Looking down the nave, to the left of the is the organ, the original is now in the church at
Kingston Bagpuize
Chancel arch
Choir stalls in the chancel
Altar rails & east window
The altar and east window
Some of the plain stained glass
The church may be small but it has some beautiful stained glass to see
Especially these two windows
The Roll of Honour and memorial to Katharine Parsons
Cross and candle holders
Carving on one of the choir stalls
The roof looks quite amazing
Font
|Floral arrangement by one of the windows
St Lawrence is a beautiful little church in danger of being made redundant and the fact is is of Pugin design makes it one worth saving for the local people
Till Next time Stay Safe and Take Care
Hello Billy!
ReplyDeleteI admire another beautiful, sacred gem.
Your photos are as great as ever.
I wish you good health and a happy week.
Lucja
Thank you have a god week
DeletePity it was locked, the entry on the Historic England website - https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1048405
ReplyDelete- sounds interesting. It also states that, despite the many churches designed by Pugin, this is his only Anglican commission.
I never think to look on that site, thanks for the link
DeletePugin was well known so it's interesting that he had a hand in this church. It looks attractive from the outside. It would be interesting to see inside. The main roof is quite low pitched. I wonder whether that's a chimney on the vestry wall? Have a good week Bill.
ReplyDeleteI have come across a few of the churches he has had a hand in and they are all beautiful
DeleteI meant to say that you'll know St James' RC church in Reading well and it was designed by Augustus Welby Pugin who also designed The Houses of Parliament.
DeleteI remember it well, I used to go to mass there every Wedensday when I was at School next door
DeleteThat's a very pretty church!
ReplyDeleteIt is just a pity it was locked
Delete