St. Laurence is a wonderful twelfth-century church building in Reading. Today the church has a particular vision for young people. Originally, it was a chapel at the gates of Reading Abbey in 1121. A large market sprung up around the church. One road leading to St Laurence’s became known as ‘Market Place’, so Market Place Square is now directly next to the church. The current tower was built in 1458 and contains several fragments of Norman work.
In 1882 the tower was restored and housed bells for ringing. The church still has 12 bells, which makes it the only “12 bell church” in Reading. Whilst they do not ring the bells for services, they are used by local bell ringers for regular practices and competitions. In February 1943, during WW2, two planes dropped bombs on the town centre. 41 people lost their lives.
A commemorative plaque is now on the wall of Blandy and Blandy solicitors, next to the church. Shrapnel damage to St. Laurence’s wall can still be seen today, and part of the dislodged west window now lies in the graveyard. Both planes were brought down returning to Germany, leading to the complete loss of life of all on board.
