Cotswold Churches
St Lawrence Church, Lechlade, Gloucestershire
The late author & architectural historian, David Verey, described the parish church of Lechlade as "One of the six finest churches in
Gloucestershire".
St Lawrence Church stands proud just a short distance from the River Thames & in the centre of this small town situated on the edge
of the counties of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire.
The quiet churchyard inspired the poet, Percy Shelley to write
"Stanza in Lechlade Churchyard",
A Summer Evening Churchyard whilst staying in the town.
The church is of the perpendicular design of the 15th century & there have been no structural changes since the 16th century. There are many carved figures
adorning the outside of the building.
Inside there are good brasses commemorating local dignitaries & benefactors from the 15th & 16th centuries also a carved figure of St Agatha,
a 3rd century martyr, is in the north aisle. One of the best features is the interior of the choir roof. The bosses date from the 15th Century, & these
were restored in 1938. Several of the bosses represent angels with instruments & others have more every day objects.
The stone used to build the church came from nearby Taynton. The same quarry
supplied the stone for St Pauls Cathedral in London.