New Saint Lawrence Church, Neoclassical church in Ayot St Lawrence, England
The New Saint Lawrence Church is a neoclassical building featuring a distinctive columned front and a roof lantern. The interior follows a Greek cross layout and can hold around 120 people.
A wealthy landowner commissioned the building in 1778 to replace an older structure that blocked the view from his house. The new location was carefully chosen to improve the sightline from his estate.
The building shows how architect Nicholas Revett drew inspiration from Greek sources he had studied, bringing those ideas into his own modern interpretation. Inside, visitors can notice details and choices that reflect this strong interest in classical forms.
The building is open to visitors who want to explore the architecture and interior spaces. Regular services take place, but outsiders can also view the building at other times if they approach respectfully.
Two separate mausoleums stand beside the church, each holding one of the people who commissioned it and his wife. This unusual choice shows their desire to remain apart even in the afterlife.
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