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Parish Church of St Laurence
 Historical
Background
The Domesday Book confirms that there was a
saxon church and a priest here in 1086. The Norman nave is seen
to be the oldest part of the present building.
The cruciform structure dates back to the early 13th Century
when a larger chancel, north and south transepts and the
central tower were added.
The Victorian restoration of 1867-68 saw major internal
refurbishment including the addition of two western aisles
to the transepts, new pews, and a new pulpit and organ.
Proposals are currently being developed to enhance the
church, making it more suitable for worship in the 21st
century.
‘The
History of the Church of St.Laurence,
Church Stretton: a Rural Parish
through 1,000 Years’ by local author and church member
Douglas Grounds is available from bookshops and from the
church. All proceeds go to the Friends of
St.Laurence.
Whilst the
book is focused on the history of the Church, it is
considered to be the best history of Church
Stretton currently available.
The Local Community
The parish is situated in the South Shropshire Hills, an
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with St Laurence’s
Parish Church standing in the picturesque market town of
Church Stretton.
The parish with a population of 4,200 people is concentrated
in the town itself and in two main villages, All Stretton,
with ‘St Michael and All Angels’ church and Little Stretton
with ‘All Saints’ church. Other Christian Churches are well
represented: - United Reformed Church (URC): Methodist :
Roman Catholic : Society of Friends Meeting.
Church Stretton has a good range of shops and other
necessary amenities. Tourism with farming is a principal
source of local employment and Church Stretton is a popular
centre from which to explore the surrounding countryside.
The railway runs through the valley connecting Manchester
and South Wales and with regular connections to London and
the West Midlands accessibility is easy.
There are two thriving schools in Church Stretton: St
Lawrence's Church of England Primary School, and Church
Stretton Comprehensive School for pupils aged 11-16 years.
There is also a thriving community centre, called The
Mayfair Centre, offering a wide range of activities.
Local people value their town with its beautiful countryside
and opportunities both social and recreational as well as
its strong community spirit.
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