St Lawrence's Church, Duddeston

St Lawrence’s Church stands in Dartmouth Street, Duddeston, a former parish church built in the 19th century for the Church of England. The foundation stone was laid in June 1867 by the Bishop of Worcester, and the church opened the following year. Miss Louisa Ann Ryland provided the funds, while J. A. Chatwin designed the brick building with Bath stone window tracery. Charles Jones of Belmont Row served as the contractor. It was consecrated in June 1868 and took its parish from St Matthew’s Church nearby. The church is recognised for its vicar Thomas J. Bass, who served from 1897 to 1925. Bass wrote books and spoke strongly against poverty and slum conditions. He also led the city’s Sanitary Aid Committee. Small alterations were made to the building in 1894 and 1895. By 1951 the church closed and its parish merged back with St Matthew’s. Inside, the church once housed an organ by Halmshaw, listed in the National Pipe Organ Register. Though now closed, the brick exterior and stone details remain visible. The quiet street setting keeps the memory of its past life as a place of worship.