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A Brief History of the Building.

St Lawrence's Church has the only Anglo-Saxon Tower in Cumbria; although the top storey was added in the 17th century, the rest retains many original features. The tower contains a 17th century bell-chamber housing three bells, dated 1696, 1727 and 1764.

Although nothing is known of the original building that went with the tower, the present 12th century nave and 12th and 13th century chancel and transepts are well documented. The chancel was largely rebuilt in the 16th century, but some original features were retained.

The interior was restored in the 1896, with the woodwork being influenced by the 'Arts and Crafts' movement. Luckily some of the earlier woodwork was kept, including two mediaeval screens, a 17th century communion rail and font cover (1662 stone font), and and early 18th century pulpit.

St Lawrence's Church is a Grade I listed building. It is one of the ecclesiastical buildings listed as 'especially worthy of preservation' in the inventory of the Historical Monuments of Westmorland, prepared and published by the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments England in 1936.

Even with all these changes, the interior is light and spacious, but gives an intimate feeling, the stonework reflecting the mixture of pink sandstone and white limestone found locally.

A book written by a former Rector of the parish, Canon Gervase Markham, about the history of the church is available at a cost of £5 (+ post & packing).