History of St Lawrence
Introduction
People have lived, worked and worshipped in this beautiful part of the world for many many years…
Features
The oldest part of St Lawrence’s Church is the chancel built by Walter de Burhton in 1328…
Bells, Clock & Carillon
A ring of 8 bells (the oldest a Rudhall bell of 1650) were recast and re-hung in 1957…
Re-Ordering
Much has changed in our church building over the years, with each generation making its mark, including us…
Our Church
The Benefice of Bourton on the Water with Clapton & the Rissingtons is part of the North Cotswolds Deanery of the Diocese of Gloucester. It was formed in 2006 and consists of 6 village communities, within which are 5 traditional Cotswold churches and a local ecumenical church plant (CUR:ve).
Past
There has been a church on this site since 709 AD.
Much has changed since, but we are still worshipping God here and with each generation making its mark, there is plenty to see!
Present
In 2017 we undertook a major re-ordering to make the interior more suited to the needs of the Church family and community today.
Our combined congregations in St Lawrence represent a wide churchmanship: from formal and traditional BCP to informal and varied all age worship, with most stages in between!
Future
All our congregations are friendly and worship is ordered but not stuffy. We project our morning services onto a screen, so use a wide range of hymns, songs and liturgy. We enjoy singing & members of the congregation read, lead the intercessions, assist with the distribution of Holy Communion and with leading non-Eucharistic services.
We’d love you to come and join in!
List of recent Rectors of the Parish of Bourton-on-the-Water:
Rev Rowena King 2018
Rev Rachel Rosborough 2011
Rev Edward Tufnell 1998
Rev Ted Farley 1992
Canon Charles Pickthorn 1960
Rev John Nettlefold 1948
We have a list of Rectors dating back to 1291 which hangs just inside the West Door.
We expanded to become The Benefice of Bourton-on-the-Water with Clapton-on-the-Hill and the Rissingtons when Edward Tufnell (who was appointed as Priest in Charge) became Rector in 2006.
Rev Rowena King with Bishop Robert and Archdeacon Phil in October 2018