Lavernock: Church of St Lawrence

One day last week I walked along the Wales Coastal Path to Lavernock and discovered the wonderful old Church of St Lawrence. Not surprisingly, it’s a Grade II-listed building which, according to the British Listed Buildings website, may well date from the 12th century when the Black Canons of the Order of St Augustine first established themselves along the shores of the Bristol Channel.

It wasn’t possible to go inside but, apparently, the narrow pointed chancel arch may be medieval, as might the windowless north wall. The rest of the structure was extensively restored in the mid 19th century. There were some interesting headstones dating back to the early 1800s but more on that subject in my next post.

Unfortunately, the church closed in 2008, though the site is now managed by a voluntary Friends group so there are occasional church services and open days. I’m hoping to take advantage of one such day to get a peek inside.