St Laurence, Ramsgate
St Laurence's Church, also known as St Laurence-in-Thanet, is a Church of England parish church in Ramsgate, Thanet, Kent.
The D'Este Mausoleum in the churchyard
History
The church, founded in 1062, is a grade I listed building, and is the oldest church in Ramsgate. It was an abbey church until 1275, when it became a parish church. The building was enlarged in the 12th and 13th centuries, including a chancel and side aisles being implemented.
A lightning strike in 1439 resulted in the church being rebuilt, with the tower being raised to its present height.
As Ramsgate grew, the town developed its own church: St Laurence became a separate parish in 1826.
Churchyard
St Laurence has a large churchyard covering three and a half acres. It contains over 1400 graves, the earliest of which is dated to 1656.
Notable burials
- D'Este Mausoleum
- John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore (1732–1809)
- Lady Augusta Murray (1761-1830)
- Thomas Wilde, 1st Baron Truro (1782–1855)
- Augusta Emma d'Este (1801–1866)
- Admiral William Fox (c1733-1810)
- Sir William Garrow (1760–1840)
- John Collis Browne (1819–1884)
References
- ^ Historic England. "Church of St Laurence (1336662)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ^ "St Laurence: About". The Parish of St Laurence-In-Thanet, Ramsgate. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ^ "Ramsgate, St Laurence in Thanet Church, History & Photos". Britain Express. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ "Laughton - Laverstoke Pages 33-37 A Topographical Dictionary of England. Originally published by S Lewis, London, 1848". British History Online.
- ^ "St Lawrence, Laurence, Ramsgate, Thanet – Churchyard". Kent Archaeological Society. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ^ "St. Laurence Churchyard". Ramsgate – Kent's Coastal Heritage Town. Ramsgate Town Council. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
- ^ "William Fox". More than Nelson.