St. Mary's Church, Lawford is most renowned for its 14th century Chancel and in particular the eight stone-framed windows, which together with the construction of the external buttresses permitted the provision of a tall enclosed space extremely well lit for the time.
Five of the patterns (surrounding the windows) are considered quite unusual but in all they present a fine example of the ‘English Decorated’ style of Gothic architecture, leading to the claim that the Chancel is one of the most splendid monuments of its date in the county.
From the earliest times the history of the Church is very much linked to that of nearby Lawford Hall, and this is the probable reason why the church stands in the countryside, away from the main village. The Hall and church have been closely associated since the 14th Century, and the chancel was almost certainly built by Sir Benet de Cokefield, Lord of the Manor and the owner of the Hall and the Church in the year 1340.
This information is taken from a booklet produced by Tom Judson (further copies of which are available in the church), and the church website, which can be viewed here: http://www.lawfordchurch.co.uk (See if you can spot the cache that has been placed on the church website in my honour!)
The church is usually unlocked during daylight hours, if you would like to have a look around!
This cache is located just off the Public Footpath, outside the church yard, there is plenty of parking available in the church car park.
If anybody would like to add to this series, please do, but could you please let sadexploration know first, so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.