Church of St Laurence, Blackmore, Medieval Anglican church in Blackmore, England
The Church of St Laurence is a medieval building distinguished by its three-stage timber bell tower with vertical weather boarding and a shingled broach spire. The tower rises above the main structure and defines the appearance of the church.
The building was founded around 1150 as part of Blackmore Priory and became an independent parish church after Cardinal Wolsey dissolved the priory in 1527 to fund educational purposes. This change marked the shift from a monastic setting to a regular community place.
The church holds memorial tombs of the Smyth family, including an altar tomb of Thomas Smyth and his wife Margaret in the south aisle. These monuments show how the family was connected to this place for generations.
The church is accessible and welcomes visitors during its regular opening times, allowing you to explore the medieval architecture and historical details inside. It is best to check ahead for specific opening hours, as these may vary depending on the season.
Research from 2004 revealed that the timber used in the bell tower was felled between 1397 and 1400, meaning this part of the church is older than was long believed. This discovery provided new insight into how the building was constructed over time.
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