St Lawrence's Church, Evesham
This evening, I am focusing on an interesting church in Evesham, central England.
Worship at St. Lawrence’s ceased in 1978 since when it has been cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust. Prior to that development, the church had a long and chequered history, a summary of which is as follows:
- First mentioned 1195 and built for the congregation residing on the west side of Evesham.
- Enjoyed a close relationship with the nearby Benedictine Abbey.
- Rebuilt around 1295 and again around 1540.
- Fortunes of the church declined on dissolution of the nearby abbey after 1540. By 1659 the church had no clergy.
- Fell into decay until a new vicar appointed in 1735 and repair work undertaken including a new roof. The new roof soon collapsed and thereafter building was derelict and unused.
- Extensive restoration undertaken 1836-7 by Edward Rudge using services of architect, Harvey Eginton.
- Good quality stained glass installed in 19th and 20th centuries. An example is shown at top of this post.This is the south window, by Alexander Gibbs (1864) and shows the Four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John with their pens and books.
St. Lawrence’s Church is located close to All Saints Church and close to the site of the former abbey in the centre of Evesham. Both are open to visitors.
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