St. Lawrence's Church, Swindon Village

The Church of St. Lawrence was built in the late 12th century and it is an example of fine Norman architecture. Its main feature of interest is its hexagonal tower, as there is only one other six-sided tower in the country, which is located at Ozleworth near Dursley in South Gloucestershire. As none of the sides of tower are the same it makes this church absolutely unique. The tower contains six bells from the 15th, 17th, 18th and 20th centuries.

The Norman chancel was rebuilt in the late 13th century and six grotesque Norman heads are reworked into the 19th century rebuilt nave. The church was largely rebuilt in neo-Norman style in Victorian times and, while original windows can still be seen at the east end, the main body of the church stems from this time.  The Gothic Revival of the 19th century influenced both the richly ornamented internal and external appearance of the building. The archway within the stone built porch and exquisite corbels in the form of king’s and queens’ heads illustrate this decoration.

The church is usually locked but the key may be obtained from the rectory opposite the church.