Built in 1877 for 1,555 pounds , by Mr Wild Stammers, on a high point overlooking the River Blackwater.

Two previous churches have stood on the site.

The Church is sometimes called St Lawrence  Newlands.

The church was called Newlands as the original church was built on land newly taken from forest which covered our district.

Three generations of the Wedgewood Benn family lie beneath the floor of the chancel including the Lord Stansgate, father of the politician Anthony Wedgwood Benn.

Most services in St Lawrence are held in the Church Hall in the main village.

During the summer months the church is home to displays of art and local history.

Headstone/Memorials in the churchyard

John STRACHEY, writer and politician, 1963

Revd. Herbert BROWN, rector and former CMS Missionary in Bengal, died 1933

Wing Commander Clive W. SCOTT A.F.C., Royal New Zealand Air Force and Royal Air Force , died 1958

Memorials in the church

Jeremy Wedgwood BENN, died 1935,

Michael Wedgwood BENN, died 1944

William Wedgwood BENN, 1st Viscount Stansgate, died 1960 and

Margaret BENN, 1st Viscountess Stansgate, died 1991

Other pages about this church

Click here to read about the church bells at this church

Click here to read about the church chest at this church