The Parish Church of St Lawrence, Weston-under-Penyard

Originally a church within the parish of Ross-on-Wye, St Lawrence's became a Parish Church in 1683 during the reign of Charles II. Parts of the building date from the late 12th Century, but the oldest tablet is dedicated to the memory of the Nourse family who built Lower Weston (now known as Weston Hall) in the sixteenth century.

Since then many alterations and additions have taken place, the last major restoration being undertaken in 1867, at a cost of £2,100. The ensuing work resulted in the vaults in the church interior being filled in and the old tombstones placed outside the church building, against the south walls. All the whitewash and plaster were stripped from the walls and roof of the church, revealing the original oak beams above the nave and north aisle. The old vestry at the south door was taken down and a new one built on the south side of the chancel.

In 1869 the Bridgeman family gifted the stained glass windowns now in the lancet windows on the east wall. The church clock was installed to the memory of Preb. Edward Hawkshaw and his wife Catherine in 1914. He served as rector of the parish for 57 years.

The six church bells were probably cast by Abraham Rudhall (father and son) of Gloucester in 1704, 1716 and 1791, and were re-hung in 1887 for Queen Victoria's golden jubilee, the frame having been strengthened with new oak braces, screw bolts and anchors.

St Lawrence himself is known as the 'Gridiron Martyr'. He was a lowly deacon, and was arrested with Pope Sixtus and five other deacons whilst carrying out the sacred liturgy in 258. The sixth century account of his martyrdom relates that he was condemned to be roasted alive over a grill. After a few minutes, Lawrence is purported to have said to his captors, "you can turn me over now, I am done on this side". These few words, whether apocryphal or true, have earned his memory undying fame.

Reproduced by kind permission of David Herrod