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Church of St Lawrence
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Denomination Church of England
Architecture
Heritage designation Grade I listed building
Designated 6 September 1954
Administration
Benefice Badminton
Diocese Gloucester
Province Canterbury

The Church of St Lawrence is an old church in Didmarton, a village in Gloucestershire, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church was built a very long time ago, in the 1200s! It is officially protected as a Grade I listed building, which means it's very important for its history and design.

The Church's History

This church has a long and interesting story. It was first built between the 1100s and 1200s. Over the years, it was changed and updated.

Changes Over Time

In the 1400s, some parts of the church were revised. Then, in the 1700s, it had a big makeover. During these changes, some parts were removed. For example, there used to be special areas called "galleries." These were for musicians and people who couldn't afford private seating. These galleries are no longer there.

A Church Restored

In 1872, the church was described as "redundant." This meant it was no longer actively used for regular services. However, in 1992, the Church of St Lawrence was carefully restored. It then became the main church for the local area once again.

Church Architecture and Design

The Church of St Lawrence is made of stone and has a unique L-shape. Its roofs are covered with stone slates. There is also a small bellcote, which is a little tower holding bells.

Inside the Church

Inside, the church has several important parts. It includes a transept, which is like the arms of a cross-shaped church. It also has a chancel and a sanctuary. The chancel is the area around the altar, and the sanctuary is the most sacred part.

Special Features Inside

You can find special old seats called box pews inside. These are like small, enclosed boxes where families used to sit. There is also a tall, three-level oak pulpit. This is where the priest stands to give sermons. Behind the pulpit, you can see a decalogue. This is a display of the Ten Commandments.

The Baptismal Font

The church's font is very old and has parts from different centuries. The base of the font is from the 1100s. The bowl, which holds the water for baptisms, is from the 1300s. The wooden cover on top was added in the 1700s.

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