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St Lawrence

St Lawrence

Besselsleigh

Oxfordshire

Early C12, with early C14 and C15 alterations. c.1632 for William Lenthall, Speaker of House of Commons, and 1788 for William John Lenthall

Architectural Features

Late C13 three-light trefoil-headed window

4-bay south wall: three C15 cinquefoil-headed 2-light windows and 3 restored offset buttresses

narrow C13 pointed chamfered priest's door in second bay from right

gabled early C17 porch has wide cusp-chamfered arch, and C19 timber-framed side walls on brick and limestone plinths

early C12 plain round-headed doorway frames ancient plank door which has two C12 strap hinges and crescent at top

North wall has 3 restored offset buttresses: similar C15 two-light window and an early C14 two-light Decorated window flank rood-stairs projection with slit-light

West gable has late C13 three-light trefoil-headed window, and twin bellcote of 1632 (V.C.H.). Interior: cinquefoiled rere-arch to east window

Late C13 trefoil-headed piscina: early C12 pillar piscina has decorated stem and scalloped capital: early C17 parish chest has panelled door, hinged lid and is set on wooden wheels

Chancel floor has marble floor tablet to John Lenthall (d.1681), and a set of early C17 floor tiles with quatrefoils

C15 brattished cornice to plastered chancel roof

Tympanum of 1632, with carved oak pendants, has painting of angels holding Lenthall arms over inscription which reads: "THIS CHURCH WAS RESTORED IN THE YEARE 1632/AND ALSO REPAIRED BY THE HONOURABLE WILLIAM LENTHALL ESQR:/MASTER OF THE ROLLS IN THE YEARE 1657". Nave has unusual mid C17 font, with small garlanded bowl "set on round stem with bands of rocky rustication"