St Laurence's Church, Morland

St Laurence's Church is a medieval parish church in Morland built with rubble stone walls and slate roofs, arranged in a cruciform shape with a three-bay nave, transepts, and a west tower. The interior combines Norman and Gothic features, including round columns and pointed arches that run through the space.

The church was founded in the mid-11th century, with its tower built between 1041 and 1055, making it one of the few remaining Anglo-Saxon towers in the region. Later medieval periods saw Gothic additions and modifications that expanded and reshaped parts of the building.

The interior blends Norman and Gothic elements such as round columns and pointed arches, showing how the building developed over time with influences from different eras. These details shape the character of the space and make the architectural history visible to visitors.

The church remains active and holds regular services, so check times when planning a visit to attend or respectfully view the interior. Access to the main worship space involves descending four steps, which is worth noting when planning your visit.

Fragments of Norman zigzag carvings are embedded in different sections of the interior walls, showing decorative techniques from the church's early period. These hidden patterns are easy to miss but become visible to visitors who look carefully at the space.

Location: Morland

Inception: 11 century

Architects: Charles John Ferguson

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture, Norman architecture

Website: http://morlandchurch.org.uk/morland/church.htm

GPS coordinates: 54.59650,-2.62350

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:41