St Lawrence's Church, Gotham

St Lawrence’s Church stands in the village of Gotham, Nottinghamshire, beside the A453 road. It is the largest of five neighbouring churches known as ‘The 453 Churches’. The others are St George’s at Barton in Fabis, St Winifred’s at Kingston on Soar, Holy Trinity at Ratcliffe-on-Soar and All Saints’ at Thrumpton. Built in the 13th century, the church was restored in 1789 and repaired again in 1869. A new tower clock with two dials was added in 1848, one facing the village street and the other the road to Nottingham. In 2010 the interior was re-ordered to create a flexible modern space used for many events. The church holds a collection of historic memorials to local families and individuals. Among them are stones for Anne Borrow from 1799, Thomas Borrow from 1773, John Barrow from 1707 and Isaac Barrow from 1745. Earlier names include Gergii Loxcroete from 1619, John Bridges from 1710 and John Foxcroft from 1662. A slab also commemorates John St Andrew and his wife from 1625. These inscriptions give a glimpse of Gotham’s past residents. Inside, the church offers a light and adaptable worship area created in 2010. The tower clock still keeps time for the village and passing traffic. Outside, the churchyard sits beside the A453, linking it to the other four churches in the group. The building’s simple stone walls and slate roof sit quietly among the houses of Gotham.