St Lawrence Church, Winchester facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Lawrence Church, Winchester
St Lawrence Church, Winchester
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Location	Winchester
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade II listed
Administration
Parish	Winchester Saint Lawrence with Saint Swithun-upon-Kingsgate
Benefice	Winchester Saint Bartholomew and Saint Lawrence with Saint Swithun-upon-Kingsgate
Deanery	Winchester
Archdeaconry	Winchester
Diocese	Diocese of Winchester
Province	Province of Canterbury

St Lawrence Church is a historic church located in Winchester, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church is special because it has a very long history. It is almost completely surrounded by other buildings today.

Discovering the History of St Lawrence Church

St Lawrence Church is found just off the High Street in Winchester. Experts believe it was first built by the Normans, who were people from Normandy in France who conquered England in 1066.

What Was the Church's Original Purpose?

It is thought that the church was once the private chapel for William the Conqueror. He was the first Norman King of England. His palace was built around 1069–70. Sadly, the palace was destroyed in 1141. A tower was added to the church in the 15th century.

How Has the Church Changed Over Time?

The church has been repaired and updated many times. These restorations happened in:

• 1475–7
• 1672 (the current roof was added then)
• 1847–8
• 1881
• 1979–80

St Lawrence Church is recognized as a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.

The Church Organ: A Musical History

The church has a special musical instrument called a pipe organ. It was first built in 1882 by a company called Jones and Son.

How the Organ Was Updated

In 1966, the organ was almost completely replaced by George Osmond. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register. This register keeps records of organs across the country.

Understanding the Church's Parishes and Rectors

A "parish" is an area that a church serves. A "rector" is the main priest in charge of a parish. Over the years, St Lawrence Church's parish has joined with others.

How Parishes Have Combined

• In 1904, St Lawrence parish joined with St Maurice. St Maurice's church was later taken down in 1957.
• In 1973, it joined with St Swithun-upon-Kingsgate. The church of St Swithun-upon-Kingsgate is now a "chapel of ease." This means it's a smaller church used for services when the main church is too far away or busy.
• Since 2010, the parish of St Lawrence with St Swithun has been part of a larger group called a "benefice." This benefice also includes the parish of St Bartholomew, Hyde.

Who Were the Rectors of St Lawrence Church?

Many rectors have led St Lawrence Church over the centuries. Here is a list of some of them: