Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore

Friends of St Laurence Church , Blackmore
( Registered Charity No. 1113888 )

The Priory Church of St. Laurence, Blackmore was once part of a small Augustinian Priory founded around 1160 by Richard, Bishop of London.

This was less than 100 years after the Norman Conquest. For us, this is coming up for nearly 1,000 years ago. But, to put it in the context of the local people of the time, the Battle of Hastings was to them, as the First World War is to us. The big difference of course, is they were unfortunately on the losing side.

One of the most striking features of the church is its great wooden bell tower, which was constructed around 1400 and amazingly is largely as it was when the builders left it over 600 years ago. Apart from being the largest in Essex, it is considered to be one of the most impressive timber towers in all England .

Much of the priory and church buildings were demolished following the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII in 1540, leaving what you see today.

A building as venerable and historically important as this has to be looked after so that it can continue to be an inspiration to future generations as it clearly was to those in the past. To this end the Friends of St Laurence Church, Blackmore has been formed.

Our Constitution:

“The objects of the Friends are to assist in the maintenance, repair, restoration, preservation, beautification and reconstruction, for the benefit of the public and worshippers, the fabric of St Laurence Church its monuments, fixtures, fittings, furniture, stained glass, ornaments and other chattels belonging to the church, its churchyards and its surroundings. “

Join the Friends and assist them in their work by becoming a member. All are welcome to apply.

 

Annual Membership Fees are:

Adult(s) £12. 00
Family - up to 2 adults & children at the same address £25. 00
Junior -under 16 £5. 00

Concessions:-

over 60's, students under 21 and single parents £7. 00
Life Membership - single payment £250. 00

Click here to download an application form