St Anne and St Laurence Church, Elmstead

The church dates on architectural and historical grounds to the 12th century. A priest is first recorded in 1194 and the earliest part of the building is the Norman north doorway with a reused Roman brick surround. The door itself, with 12th-century ironwork, is displayed in the church. The main part of the present building dates from the 14th century, including the chantry or private chapel which was built by Sir Thomas de Weston in 1329. The pulpit, originally of 18th-century three-decker design, was restored in 1956 by the Colchester firm of H. & K. Mabbitt. On the walls of the church are a remarkable series of biblical texts dating from the 17th century. These and the west gallery, supported on two very slim iron columns, were restored in 1999. The now rare box pews in the nave were installed in 1819-21 and originally were also found in the chancel.

Amongst the monuments is a wooden effigy of a cross-legged knight, possibly Sir Thomas Weston (d. 1354), whose head rests on a lion and feet on a skirted figure, perhaps a woman. The church has an unusual memorial brass of two hands holding a heart inscribed 'Credo' and further words on a scroll 'videre Bona domini' ('I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord') dated to around 1500. The large painting of the Royal Arms of George II dates to 1749. In 2000 an Icon depicting St Anne with the Virgin Mary, commissioned specially for the church, was installed in the Lady Chapel.

Timings

Thursday 17 September:

1100

Location & directions

St Anne and St Laurence Church, Church Road, Elmstead, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7AR

Directions:

Accessed off the A133 in Elmstead Market, the church lies 1 mile to the north down a single track road without official passing places.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Additional information

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s)

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