St Laurence - Meriden, West Midlands, UK
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Superted
N 52° 25.947 W 001° 37.833
30U E 593102 N 5810020
The church, standing apart on a hill overlooking the eastern end of the village of Meriden, marks the centre of the original settlement, which was known as Alspath.
Waymark Code: WM51DD
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/26/2008
Views: 19
St. Laurence' Church in Meriden dates back to Norman times and is approximately 950 years old. The church notice board records that it was ‘originally founded in the dark forest by a missionary sent out by Lady Godiva nearly a thousand years ago’. The church of Alspath, later to be known as Meriden, was confirmed to the monks of Coventry Priory c.1160 by Ivo de Allespath. The Countess Godiva held the Manor of Alspath, in the time of Edward the Confessor.
The Chancel is the oldest part of the church and features beautiful examples of Norman windows which were un-blocked during renovations in 1924. It also features a 'squint' which was probably used by the lepers in the 13th Century. In order to prevent them from infecting the congregation they were required to stand outside, but could see through the squint to the alter, and the cross, the symbol of their faith.
The roof was originally thatched, but is now a 15th century oak panelled roof. It covers the Nave which, although it was built much later, is the same size as the original Norman one. The aisles were built later still, in 1827, to accommodate all the villagers. Galleries were also built but to provide 100 extra seats, but were later removed.
The brass lecturn was bought in 1884 with a donation from the Kittermasters, but mainly from £150 provided by the organist who had waived his salary for 7 years.
In 2007 the church received a grant of £350,000 from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund to repair it 15th Century nave roof of oak timbers.
The Church Web Site is at:
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visit link)
A more detailed history of the church can be found at:
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visit link)