Church of St Laurence, Ramsgate

The Church of St Laurence is a medieval church in Ramsgate with sturdy flint walls and a prominent stone tower that dominates the building. Inside, the space is divided into traditional sections with arches and stone work typical of early English design, and the windows feature both old and Victorian-era glass.

The church was founded in 1062 and gained its current appearance after lightning struck in 1439, leading to a complete reconstruction of the tower. This major rebuild shaped the building we see today and became a defining moment in its development.

The stained glass windows inside show scenes connected to Queen Victoria, who worshipped here as a child and left her mark on the place. These windows reflect how local communities remember important royal visitors through their glass and light.

The grounds spread across several acres with many paths and spaces to walk around, so allow time to explore the full churchyard if you wish. The layout is straightforward with established walkways, making it easy to move through the site at a comfortable pace.

The churchyard contains the burial place of John Murray, the 4th Earl of Dunmore, and his family members, showing that this location attracted burials from the nobility. The presence of such prominent figures interred here reflects the church's standing in earlier centuries.