St Lawrence's Church, Gnosall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Lawrence's Church, Gnosall |
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View from the south
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| 52°47′07″N 2°15′12″W / 52.78528°N 2.25333°W | |
| OS grid reference | SJ 830 209 |
| Location | Gnosall, Staffordshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | http://www.gnosallparish.org.uk/ |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 15 January 1968 |
| Architectural type | Norman architecture |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Eccleshall Deanery |
| Diocese | Diocese of Lichfield |
St Lawrence's Church is a special church in Gnosall, Staffordshire, England. It belongs to the Church of England, which is a Christian church. This building is very old and important. It is known as a Grade I listed building, meaning it has special historical value.
The oldest parts of the church were built in the Norman architecture style. This was a popular way to build in England after the Normans arrived in 1066. Over many years, the church was changed and added to.
Contents
How Old Is St Lawrence's Church?
This church has a long history! There was a church on this spot even before the Normans came. That was during the Anglo-Saxon period, a very long time ago. The Norman church you see today replaced that older building.
The church has a cross shape, which is called cruciform. It also has a tower in the middle. The oldest parts, like the arches in the central area, were built in the 12th century. That means they are over 800 years old!
For a while, people think it might have been a collegiate church. This means it was controlled directly by the king or queen, not by the local church leaders.
What Changes Were Made to the Church?
Over the centuries, many parts of St Lawrence's Church were updated.
Additions in the 13th Century
In the 13th century, new sections called aisles were added to the main part of the church. These aisles had three sections each. Also, a special window with three tall, narrow parts was put in at the west end. A new doorway was also added there.
The north transept, which is like one of the arms of the cross shape, was rebuilt. Its roof was made lower than before. You can still see where the old roof used to be! A window with two narrow parts was also added to this section. The south transept, the other arm of the cross, has stayed mostly the same as it was originally.
The large window at the east end of the church, which has five lights (sections), was added in the 14th century.
Updates in the 15th Century
In the 15th century, the top part of the central tower was built. Also, a clerestory was added. This is a row of windows high up on the walls, letting more light into the church.
Around the year 1500, a special chapel called a lady chapel was built on the south side of the church. It has a parapet, which is a low wall along the edge of the roof.
More Recent Changes
Later on, in 1893, a new porch was built for the south doorway. This porch was designed by an architect named Charles Lynam. More recently, in the 1990s, a new room called the north vestry was added. This room was designed by Horsley, Huber and Associates.
More to Explore
- Grade I listed churches in Staffordshire
- Listed buildings in Gnosall
