St Laurence Church history

The parish of Shotteswell became a separate benefice in 1381. Before that, it was part of Warmington. The parish church shows evidence in the Norman arcade of a previous church enlarged in 1100, with further enlargements in the 14th century, including an English arcade, chancel, and tower. The church is one of the finest in the district, well cared for and kept in very good repair. Evidence in the vestry indicates the original Saxon building, little more than a monk’s cell, where a monk from Warmington would occasionally minister to villagers. Church registers go back to about 1500, confirming Shotteswell as an independent parish. In 1925, the parish combined with Warmington as Vicar of Shotteswell, also responsible for Ratley and Radway. In 2007, restructuring combined the churches with Kineton and Combrooke, with a priest in charge of six parishes aided by associate ministers.

Church Information & Events

Church Information

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Services

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📜 Historical Images

🔑 Key Events & Renovations

1381: Shotteswell becomes a separate benefice.
1100: Norman arcade enlargement of previous church.
14th century: English arcade, chancel, and tower added.
1925: Parish combined with Warmington.
1996: Bells restored and re-hung with local help.
2000: Millennium floodlighting installed.
2007: Restructuring combining six parishes.
2015: Repairs made to the South perimeter wall.
2016: Kneelers refurbished by villagers.

🧱 Wall Repairs

In 2015, significant repairs were made to the South perimeter wall of St Laurence Church, ensuring the structural integrity and preservation of this historic building.

🪡 Kneelers Refurbishment

The kneelers in St Laurence Church underwent a refurbishment process, with villagers coming together to restore and enhance these important elements of the church’s interior.

🔔 Church Bells History

The church has a ring of five bells, with the earliest dating back to 1621. The bells have undergone several restorations, including a significant refurbishment in 1996.

Bell Inscriptions

From Tilley and Walter’s “The Church Bells of Warwickshire”:

1996 Bell Restoration

During 1996 a generous donation initiated the refurbishment of the bells, which had not been rung full circle in over 50 years, due to the decay of the wheels and timber bell frame. This coupled with some grants and donations enabled the installation of a new steel bell frame.

At this point a further bell was installed from the redundant church at Atherstone on Stour. The bells were rededicated on the 26^th November 1995 and is commemorated by a plaque on the south wall of the tower arch. The plaque is charmingly mounted on timber from the old bell frame.

Whilst the bells were restored the old third and fourth bells were recast. Regrettably the original third bell had a crack and was beyond repair and the fourth was unresponsive to tuning due to its poor casting.

🗞️ Newspaper Clipping from 1996: The restoration of our church bells attracted significant local attention. Below is a newspaper article documenting this important moment in our church’s history.

📰 1996 Newspaper Clipping

History of St Laurence Church, Shotteswell