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 Church of St Lawrence is an old church located in Bourton-on-the-Hill, a village in the Cotswold District of Gloucestershire, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This historic building was first built in the 12th century, which means it is over 800 years old! It is recognized as a Grade I listed building, meaning it is a very important historical site.
Contents
History of the Church
Building Through the Centuries
The main part of the church, called the nave, was built way back in the 1100s. Later, in the 1300s, the chancel was added. The chancel is the area near the altar where the clergy usually sit.
Changing Names
Originally, this church was dedicated to St Mary. But in the 1400s, its dedication was changed to St Lawrence. This is why it is now known as the Church of St Lawrence. A special stone screen was put into the church in 1927.
Church Connections
The church is part of a larger group of churches called the Vale and Cotswold Edge benefice. This group is part of the Diocese of Gloucester, which is a big area managed by a bishop in the Church of England.
Church Architecture and Features
Building Materials and Design
The Church of St Lawrence is made from limestone, a common building material in the Cotswolds. The church has a main area (the nave) with side sections called aisles. It also has a chancel and two porches, one on the north side and one on the south.
The Tower and Bells
At the west end of the church, there is a tall tower. This tower is supported by strong diagonal buttresses, which are like extra supports on the outside walls. Inside the tower, there are six bells. The oldest bell was made in 1677, which means it has been ringing for hundreds of years!
Inside the Church
When you go inside the church, you can see some very old items. There is a piscina from the 1300s. A piscina is a special basin used for washing sacred vessels. You can also find an octagonal font from the 1400s. A font is a large basin used for baptisms. The church also has several monuments and memorials that remember people from the past.
