Church of St Lawrence, Lydeard St Lawrence

The Church of St Lawrence stands in Lydeard St Lawrence, a village in Somerset. Built in 1350, it is an Anglican church with a Grade I listed status. The church sits within the benefice of Bishops Lydeard with Lydeard St Lawrence, Bagborough, Combe Florey and Cothelstone. Its origins trace back to a grant by Simon de Florey to Taunton Priory in the late 12th century. The Portman family held the patronage during the 17th and 18th centuries. The chancel and nave remain from the original construction, while the north aisle, tower and porches were added in the 15th century. The church’s interior features a 14th-century piscina and a screen from the early 16th century. The font is unusual, with the original bowl now at the bottom and a new bowl carved into the top surface. Local legend links this change to anger over John Venn’s role in signing Charles I’s death warrant. A more likely explanation is damage during restoration in the 19th century. The church underwent Victorian restoration in 1869, preserving its medieval character. The churchyard contains the remains of a 14th-century church cross with an octagonal red sandstone shaft. A Ham stone chest tomb marks John North, who died in 1721, and Grace North, who died in 1759. Several unidentified tombs from the 17th and 18th centuries also stand there. The Grade I listed status recognises the church’s historical and architectural significance. The surrounding village adds to the quiet charm of the setting.