Old St Lawrence Church, Ayot St Lawrence facts for kids
Old St Lawrence Church is a fascinating old building in Ayot St Lawrence, England. It's mostly a ruin now, but it has a long history. This church was built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! It's so important that it's protected as a special historic building.
The Story of Old St Lawrence Church
In 1775, a man named Sir Lionel Lyde bought a house nearby called Ayot House. He decided to take down part of the old church. Sir Lionel wanted a new church closer to his home.
So, a brand new church was built to replace Old St Lawrence. This new church was designed in a style called Neoclassical. It was built a little further away from Sir Lionel's house. The very last baptism at Old St Lawrence Church happened on February 21, 1773. The new church was officially opened in 1779.
The Old Churchyard
Even though a new church was built, the old churchyard (the area around the church where people are buried) was still used. Sir Lionel Lyde and his wife Rachel are remembered at the new church. However, many people are buried in the old churchyard.
One important person buried here was Rudolph Lambart, 10th Earl of Cavan. He lived from 1865 to 1946. Earl Cavan was a Field marshal, which is a very high-ranking officer in the army. His grave is looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This group usually cares for the graves of soldiers who died in wars. Even though Earl Cavan didn't die in battle, his grave is still registered as a special memorial. It has a large, red granite cross.
