St Lawrence, Stratford-sub-Castle

The date of the foundation of this church is uncertain and it is first mentioned as a chapel annexed to St Martin's at Salisbury. The church was said to have been consecrated in 1326 but this could have been a rebuilt church, replacing an earlier one on the site. There is a 12th-century font, but it is possible that this could have originated elsewhere. It is most probable that much of the stone came from the abandoned buildings at Old Sarum. Some features of the chancel are of the 13th century and there were alterations and repairs in the 15th century. From this period comes the waggon roof, with its interesting carved bosses, probably of 1461.

The nave was probably largely rebuilt in the 16th century and in 1711 the tower was rebuilt, most likely as a copy of the late medieval one. The building was restored in 1904-05 under the direction of W. D. Caroe and more repairs were carried out in 1926. Electric lighting was provided in 1948, and there was a further restoration in 1957-58. There are many pre-Victorian fittings, with an oak chancel screen of the 15th or early 16th century and many other internal fittings of the early 18th century.

In 1553 there were three bells, but one was sold in 1584. In 1998, another of the original bells was sold and five new bells hung, retaining the last original bell (dated 1594) as the treble, making a ring of six.[1]

The parish registers date from 1654, and those not in current use are held in the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre at Chippenham.[2]

The church was designated as Grade I listed in 1972.[3]

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  Interior: west end
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  Interior: east
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  East window
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  Altar

• Wiltshire community history – Wiltshire Council. Accessed March 2009.
• St Lawrence Church at Stratford sub Castle community site. Accessed March 2009.

• Official website
• Media related to St Lawrence's church, Stratford-sub-Castle at Wikimedia Commons