Church of St Lawrence, Bourton-on-the-Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Lawrence |
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed building |
| Designated | 25 August 1960 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Bourton-on-the-Hill |
| Diocese | Gloucester |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Anglican Church of St Lawrence is a very old church located in Bourton-on-the-Hill, a village in Gloucestershire, England. It was built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! This church is considered a very important historical building, known as a grade I listed building. This means it's protected because of its special history and architecture.
History of the Church of St Lawrence
The oldest part of the church, called the nave (the main area where people sit), was built in the 1100s. Later, in the 1300s, the chancel (the part near the altar) was added.
Originally, the church was named after St Mary. But in the 1400s, its name was changed to St Lawrence. A beautiful stone screen was put into the church in 1927.
The church is part of a group of churches called a benefice in the Diocese of Gloucester. This means it works together with other local churches.
Inside and Outside the Church
The Church of St Lawrence is made from a type of rock called limestone. It has a main area (the nave) with two side sections called aisles. There is also a chancel and two porches, one on the north and one on the south.
At the west end of the church, there is a tall tower. This tower is held up by strong supports called buttresses. Inside the tower, there are six bells. The oldest bell was made in 1677, which is over 340 years ago!
On the south porch, you can find two "scratch dials." These were like ancient sundials, used to tell the time by the sun.
Inside the church, you can see a special stone basin called a piscina from the 1300s. This was used for washing sacred items. There is also an octagonal (eight-sided) font from the 1400s, used for baptisms. You can also find several monuments and memorials inside, remembering people from the past.
