St Lawrence Church, Effingham, Surrey UK - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

The earliest reference to the church is in the chronicle of John of Salisbury, in 1147.
In 1291, the church was valued by the Priory at £14.13s.4d.
The proportions of the nave are typical of the 12th century.
The transept is of the Early English period, perhaps 1250-70, the two-light window in the north wall could be dated to 1340. The St Nicholas chapel was probably built about the same time, and the square-headed window in the chapel is of the 15th century.
The most complete restoration took place in the late Victorian era when, apart from the erection of the present tower (the third in the history of the church), much stained glass was installed, the brass altar rail (originally made for the British Embassy in Paris) put in place, a new organ dedicated and a choir vestry built.
Since then, in 1933, the plaster ceiling in the chapel was removed to reveal a mediaeval crown post roof of the early 16th century.
To illustrate the span of history covering this much-loved church, two names out of hundreds can be chosen:

First, Walter de Geddinges, Sheriff of Surrey in 1302 and 1307, whose stone coffin lid lies in the floor of the nave by the chancel steps and second, of the modern era, that of Sir Barnes Wallis, aeronautical engineer and inventor extraordinary (the bouncing bomb, geodetic constructions, swing-wing aircraft, etc.), secretary of the PCC for eight years and benefactor to the village. He is buried in the churchyard between the vestry and The Old Vicarage.
The history of a church as old as St Lawrence here in Effingham, cannot be written in just a few lines, but it is hoped that the above summary of how it has grown and changed over the centuries will be of interest.

As with many of my waymarks I must thank The Surrey History and the Leatherhead History websites. Of course the official website was used extensively in producing the above version.

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1147 Age of Church building determined by?: Church website If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Church of England If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 10:00 AM Street address of Church: Church Street Effingham, Surrey UK KT24 5LX Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   07/13/2011 dave-harris visited it