SK4933 : Church of St Laurence, Long Eaton
taken 6 years ago, near to Long Eaton, Derbyshire, England
This is a largely Victorian church dating from 1868, incorporating the earlier medieval building, a typical enlargement of an existing church for an expanding industrial town. The architect was G E Street, one of the most prominent Gothic Revival architects.
Rather than centre the plan on the existing nave, Street's enlargement consists of an entirely new nave and north aisle, in a fairly restrained Decorated style, the existing nave and chancel forming the south aisle and Lady Chapel. This part of the church is thought to date back to the early 11th century, although the earliest significant features remaining are the 12th century chancel arch (perhaps earlier) and south doorway.
The church was a chapel of ease for the main parish church of All Saints, Sawley, so was not significantly enlarged in the medieval period, although a tower and spire were added in the 14th century. The chancel was also rebuilt at some stage.
Further repairs were carried out in 1696 after a fire in the village affected the church.
The church is Listed Grade II*.