Gazing upon this ancient building, do you ever wonder about the echoes of history that resonate within these walls of St Lawrence’s Church? St Lawrence’s Church in North Hinksey stands as a testament to time. It has witnessed centuries of change and perseverance.
Now let’s step back to the early Norman period around 1100 CE. That’s when the original St Lawrence’s Church was constructed using uncoursed limestone rubble. Imagine the effort it took to raise these stones. Feel the weight of history in each block.
Originally, the tower of St Lawrence’s Church emerged in the 13th century. However, the English Civil War left its mark. The tower and south wall suffered partial destruction. They were rebuilt around 1670.
Move forward to 1913. William Weir and Ernest Gimson undertook a restoration of St Lawrence’s Church. Their work included an external drainage system. It still functions today. Notice the east and south walls and signs of these 1913 repairs.
Entering St Lawrence’s Church, observe the chancel. It dates back to the early 12th century. The nave is slightly later. Originally, a narrow opening separated it from the chancel. Around 1850, John Macduff Derick replaced this with a larger Norman-style opening.
Look up at the chancel roof. It is supported by a 16th-century Queen Post roof truss. Consider the craftsmanship involved in creating such a structure. Appreciate the sympathetic repairs made during the 1913 restoration.
Pause at the tombstone on the chancel floor. This marks the resting place of the parents of Dr Thomas Willis. Dr Willis was a famous resident of North Hinksey. He was a pioneer in anatomy and pathophysiology. The tombstone reads of Thomas Willis Gent and Rachel his wife. He died in defence of the Royal Cause at the siege of Oxford. This tombstone also helped to confirm the death date of Dr Thomas Willis’ father.
Observe the north wall of St Lawrence’s Church’s nave. It is largely original 12th-century construction. Notice how deep it is with its small window openings. Other interior walls were rebuilt after the Civil War. The doorway and staircase to the former rood loft were reopened in 1913. The rood loft and rood were destroyed in the Reformation.
Consider the south wall. There is a 12th-century door with a Norman beaker clasp carving. This carving is documented in the Corpus of Romanesque Sculpture in Britain and Ireland. The external porch dates to 1786.
In 1931, T Lawrence Dale constructed an organ loft. P G Phipps provided the organ.
Listen closely. St Lawrence’s Church’s tower houses six bells. These bells ring for Sunday services and special events. The bells are rung by change ringing. The highest-pitched bell is called the treble. The lowest-pitched bell is called the tenor.
Consider the inscriptions on the bells. The tenor bell was cast in 1614. It may have come from another church. In 1972, two new bells were added. They used metal from a bell from South Hinksey. Winifred Toynbee, a local councillor, gifted one of the treble bells in 1972.
St Lawrence’s Church contains five painted glass windows. The chancel south wall window was made in 1890 by Hardman and Co. It depicts the Wise Virgins in memory of Emily Louisa Cornish. The chancel north wall window was also made in 1890 by Hardman and Co. It depicts Eunice and her son, Saint Timothy. The chancel east wall window shows the appearance of the Risen Christ to Mary Magdalene.
The south wall of the nave features a window made in 1881 by Hardman and Co. It shows the baptised Christ and the Holy Spirit. The north wall holds a small window made of 15th-century glass. This glass was recovered from the Western Front in 1920.
Note the small clear window on the south wall of the nave. It allows people outside to view the church service. Its purpose remains a mystery.
As you leave St Lawrence’s Church, take a moment to explore the churchyard. William Barson, who died in World War I, is buried here. Sir Walter Raleigh, an English scholar, was buried here in 1922. Fragments of a medieval cross were discovered at All Souls College. They had been used in 19th-century building work.
St Lawrence’s Church stands as a living chronicle. It tells a story of faith. It speaks of community and resilience. It is a place where history and the present converge.