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St Andrew

Laverstock

Wiltshire

Name of architect: Norman origins for the nave

Architectural Features

updated in the 14th century

At the west end is a tile-hung bell turret with louvres and a pyramidal cap

The north nave wall is blind, with chequerwork, and has a blocked Norman doorway (see Interior). The chancel has a two-light north window of the 19th century, copying the Dec example on the south

It was inserted perhaps in the early or mid 19th century, and altered 1894-6. Late 14th or 15th century Perp W window of two cusped lights, and a hoodmould with head stops

In the north wall, a blocked door recess with plain round-arched head, simplest Norman

Simple iron shutter hinges, perhaps 17th century

Principal Fixtures: The fine 17th century south door has moulded ribs forming nine panels

in the head concentric segmental mouldings with carved decoration

C.E. Ponting¿s thorough restoration of 1894-6 emphasises the association with George Herbert through simple 17th century-style fittings, e.g. the oak panelled dado in nave and chancel, turned communion rails, etc

Plain octagonal font, 19th century

There is no pulpit

Stained glass in the east windows is by Lavers & Barraud, 1866, with two smaller chancel lights attributed to them on stylistic grounds

The west window glass is signed by Caroline Townshend and Joan Howson, c1935, commemorating George Herbert and his friend Nicholas Ferrar, who published Herbert's poetry as The Temple posthumously

History: The blocked round-arched door suggests a Norman church, i.e. not later than c1200

In 1861 T.H. Wyatt built the larger church of St John, c. 200 yards west, and made haphazard alterations at St Andrew at the same time, removing the pulpit, tester, gallery and box pews

including slight Norman remains

local limestone and tile-hanging - make an important contribution to the village streetscape. * Low-key restoration by the architect C.E. Ponting. * It forms a group with the partly 17th century rectory opposite. * The historic associations with the 17th century poet

Photo coming soon