St Lawrence's Church, Evesham

St Lawrence's Church in Evesham, Worcestershire, is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and spirituality. Nestled in the heart of this picturesque town, the church stands as a testament to the rich heritage and enduring faith of the community. Built by the Benedictine monks of Evesham Abbey in the 12th century, this Grade II* listed building has witnessed centuries of change, growth, and restoration, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Historical Journey

The story of St Lawrence's Church begins in the 12th century, with the first documentary evidence appearing in 1195. It was dedicated by the Bishop of St Asaph in 1295, likely as a re-dedication following the Battle of Evesham in 1265. The church underwent significant reconstruction around 1470, replacing the earlier structure. However, from 1659, it ceased to have its own vicar and was served by the clergy of All Saints Church, its neighboring counterpart.

The 18th century was a challenging period for St Lawrence's. By the winter of 1718, the church had become unusable, and despite efforts to repair it in 1737, the work was poorly executed, leading to the roof's collapse in 1800. The church was subsequently abandoned. It wasn't until the early 19th century that Edward Rudge commissioned architect Harvey Eginton to undertake a major rebuilding effort in 1836-37, which included adding a north aisle and rebuilding the roof. Despite these efforts, the congregation dwindled in the 20th century, and in 1978, St Lawrence's was declared redundant and vested in the Churches Conservation Trust the following year.

Architectural Marvels

The exterior of St Lawrence's Church is a striking example of stone construction with slate roofs. The church's plan includes a four-bay nave with a clerestory and north and south aisles, along with a two-bay chancel. The aisles, almost as wide as the nave, continue beside the chancel, with the east end of the chancel protruding to form a short sanctuary. The west end features a tower with a porch, diagonal buttresses, a stair turret, and a short spire. The Perpendicular east window is particularly impressive, with six lights almost filling the east wall of the chancel. The gables at the east and west ends of both aisles contain three-light Perpendicular windows, adding to the church's grandeur.

The north aisle boasts three-light Perpendicular windows, an ogee-arched crocketted doorway, a pierced parapet, and crocketted finials. The south side of the church features a chapel with diagonal buttresses, a pierced parapet, and a five-light transomed south window. These architectural elements come together to create a visually stunning and historically rich exterior.

Inside St Lawrence's Church

Stepping inside St Lawrence's Church is like entering a time capsule. The absence of a chancel arch allows for an uninterrupted view of the nave and aisles, which are separated by four-bay arcades with Tudor-style arches carried on lozenge-shaped piers. A three-bay arcade separates the chancel from the chancel chapels, adding to the sense of openness and grandeur.

The interior is adorned with a stone reredos dating from 1838, featuring canopies over inscriptions of the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments. Carved screens between the chancel and the aisles, dating from around 1900, add a touch of elegance. The Jacobean communion table, donated in 1610, and the polygonal wooden pulpit from 1906, featuring carved figures of the Four Evangelists, Bishop Egwin, and Saint Lawrence, are notable highlights.

The medieval font, with its octagonal bowl on an octagonal stem, stands as a reminder of the church's long history. The south chapel, with its stone fan-vaulted rood and encaustic tile floor, houses a copy of the medieval font. The stained glass in the east window, created by Thomas Willement in 1862, depicts the Resurrection, the Last Supper, and various coats of arms. Additional stained glass windows by Gibbs, O'Connor, Hardman & Co., Geoffrey Webb, Evans and Co. of Smethwick, Paul Woodroffe, A. L. Wilkinson, and Francis Skeat, add to the church's beauty and historical significance.

Notable Burials

The churchyard of St Lawrence's Church is the final resting place of several notable individuals, including Anne Rudge (1761–1836), a botanical illustrator, and Edward Rudge (1763–1846), a botanist and antiquary. These burials add another layer of historical interest to the church and its grounds.

In conclusion, St Lawrence's Church in Evesham is more than just a building; it is a living testament to the town's rich history and enduring faith. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful place to reflect, St Lawrence's offers a unique and enriching experience. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change, and its beauty continues to inspire all who visit.