Chapel of St Lawrence
St Lawrence Chapel, High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9AG
St Lawrence Chapel has been at the heart of Warminster for 750 years. It was established in the 1290s. The maiden Hewett sisters endowered it. It was seized in 1549 by the crown and sold. (King Edward VI). The main bell continued to ring daily to announce the town's curfew times (This tradition continues). The town bought the Chapel in 1575. It was then held in Trust by 12 Feoffees (Trustees). The tower is the oldest part of the building, with many original 13th-century features.
The Chapel has been extensively altered throughout the centuries. In 1855, a row of cottages in front of the Chapel was demolished. The Nave was rebuilt, the entrance moved from the side to the front, and a new porch was constructed. Although the Chapel is independent (A non-royal Peculiar), St Denis and Christ Church in Warminster provide clergy to support regular Church of England services.
An interdenominational (Any Christian Faith can hold services) establishment. Currently, we offer both CofE and a monthly Orthodox service. Weddings, Blessings, Baptisms and funerals are available. The Chapel is an important religious and community space, offering a wide variety of Music, charity and other events. We rely entirely on donations, grants for larger projects, bequests, fundraising by the Friends of the Chapel and rental income from a cottage to the rear of the Chapel.
St Lawrence Chapel, High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9AG
The principal attraction is the Curfew Clock, which is housed in the tower and not therefore very accessible.