The Saxon Church of St Laurence (also known as St Laurence’s Church or simply, the Saxon Church) is one of the best-preserved Anglo-Saxon churches in England and it provides a great insight into English architecture prior to the Norman Conquest.
It is one of England’s few Anglo-Saxon churches that were not altered or rebuilt during the medieval period. The Grade I-listed building is sometimes referred to as ‘the Saxon church’.
The church is believed to have been founded by St Aldhelm around 700, although some historians suggest that it was built more recently, around the 10th or 11th century. There is also some evidence to suggest that the church may have served as a mortuary chapel for King Edward the Martyr (King Æthelred the Unready’s half-brother).
What to see at the Saxon Church of St Laurence
The church is a fairly simple affair and compared to most other English churches, it looks downright barren. However, that is part of what makes it special as it gives the visitor an insight into how a church would have looked like over 1000 years ago.
Visiting the Saxon Church of St Laurence
The Saxon Church of St Laurence is located just west of the town centre on the northern bank of the River Avon. It is across the road from the larger Holy Trinity Church, which was built by the Normans.
The church is free to visit (although you can buy a small booklet detailing its history for £1).
As it is a small church, it shouldn’t take much longer than 10–15 minutes to see.
One review
G Valter
Incredible price of history
To think I was stood in an Anglo Saxon church built back in the 10/11th century was quite surreal. It’s certainly worth a visit.
16 February 2023