ST LAWRENCE, CATERHAM
The church of St. Lawrence, built of flint, Godstone stone and brick, dates from around 1095. It stands in a pleasant churchyard somewhat overshadowed by trees. It is used only for Sunday schools and children's services. It consists of nave, chancel and a spacious north aisle. On the north of the aisle is a vestry and there is a south porch to the nave. At the west end of the nave is a small boarded bell-turret.
Despite additions and alterations, the plan and dimensions of the first church can be easily made out and two-thirds of its walls remain in position. It was a simple aisle- less structure consisting of nave and chancel. The walls of this period, which may date from about 1100, are from 2 ft. 9 in. to 3 ft. in thickness, and in the south wall of the nave one of the original windows has survived in a truly remarkable manner nearly complete. This window now has wooden tracery, inserted early in the 19th century in place of the stonework.
In about 1220 the church was again enlarged. A peculiarly interesting feature in the spandrel of the two arches is the circular bracket supported by a grotesque head with pointed ears and arms coming out from the back, the hands of which, shaped like rats' paws, are holding open a gaping mouth filled with great teeth. Evidently this monster supported an image, perhaps that of St. Lawrence.
The font is of around 1220, there are two bells, dated 1664 and the registers date from 1543.
Find the gravestone of Mrs Elizabeth Hewetson who departed this life November AB CDEF aged GH. The grave is about 22 paces from the church porch, under a yew tree, next to tomb with railings.
Cache can be found at N51 16.(B+C) (H-G-E-A) (B/2) W000 05. (E+F) (B-3) (E-F)
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If anybody would like to expand this series please do. We would just ask that you contact sadexploration first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names and to avoid duplication.
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