The Norman church of St Lawrence was replaced by a Victorian building, and the old church was pulled down, with the exception of the lovely 12th-century tower, which stands within the churchyard of its Victorian replacement.
The tower features a lovely Norman doorway. This was removed from the nave of the old church and set into the base of the tower when the nave was pulled down. The doorway is in a traditional Norman round-headed design, with four moulded orders.
The capitals of the doorway are carved with grotesque faces and foliage designs. Some of the carvings had become quite worn and has recently been restored with modern replacement carvings echoing the original. One of these modern replacement figures shows Sagittarius firing a bow.
The original St Lawrence had its moment in history when Baroque architect John Vanbrugh was married here in 1719.
While the base of the tower is 12th century, the top was rebuilt in the 16th century. Old St Lawrence is not in regular use and is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.
More PHOTOS
About York, St Lawrence Church Address: Walmgate,
York,
Yorkshire,
England, YO10 3BU
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Location: Off Lawrence Street. In the church yard of the Victorian Church of St Lawrence.
Website: York, St Lawrence Church Churches Conservation Trust Location
map
OS: SE613513
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
The George and Dragon Hotel is a very unique place, created by combining the original 17th Century Coaching Inn with the adjoining rectory and corn mill to make a 20-bedroomed hotel of real charm. more >>
The Masons Arms is an independent and privately operated traditional British pub. The pub was built in 1935 in Tudor style as a flagship project by the local Tadcaster Tower Brewery.The interior of the Masons Arms provides a setting for some genuine Gothic features including oak paneling from York Castle … more >>
Park View Guest House offers comfortable friendly accommodation within a few minutes walking distance of YorkÂ's historic city centre and many of the city's tourist attractions. FREE on site Car parking (great bonus). more >>