St. Lawrence, Stratford-sub-Castle

Description

In a peaceful countryside location, nestling beneath Old Sarum (with Castle and remains of the first Salisbury Cathedral) surrounded by farmland and near the River Avon at the lower end of the Woodford Valley. Close to Old Sarum and the city of Salisbury, there is a sense of the continuity of worship over the centuries with the possibility that there may first have been a place of Christian worship here from Roman times.

Located at the foot of Old Sarum, the present church, built of flint, rubble and ashlar (square-hewn stones some of which have almost certainly come from Old Sarum), is typical of an English country church with a Nave, small rectangular Chancel, western Tower, and a south Porch. Although consecrated in 1326, in the reign of Edward II, an earlier document refers to a Chapel at Stratford in 1228. Archaeological evidence shows that at least part of the Chancel was standing in the latter part of the 1100s, during the life of the first Cathedral on Old Sarum. The Church which is a grade 1 listed building contains a tablet to Frances Nisbet, widow of Lord Nelson. The register dates from 1654. Near the church was the tree where the great Earl of Chatham, whose father had a seat here, was first elected to parliament.

The church is open every day 10 am - 4 pm, with weekly Sunday services (see website for details).

Location

Stratford Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3LL, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: SU130326
By car: 2 miles North West of Salisbury - there is a car park opposite the church
By public transport (rail/bus): Nearest Rail and Bus terminals are Salisbury
On foot: There is a footpath/cycle-way from Salisbury to Stratford-sub-Castle

Facilities

Level access suitable for wheelchairs. No toilet facilities.
A very scenic and level green Churchyard with 48 Commonwealth War graves and bench.
A range of public footpaths adjoining the churchyard.
Refreshments and Accommodation available in Salisbury (2 miles away).
Suitable for quiet days for individuals or group (by appointment).
Hospitaller available.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

John Walsh

Email:

Web Link

http://www.saintlawrence.org.uk

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