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Debate rages about the exact construction date of this extraordinary little church in Bradford-on-Avon, which, until just over a century ago, was thought to be just another old house! Stylistically, it looks as though it was built in the early 11th century but other evidence – most notably written – suggests a date sometime early in the 8th century.

St Laurence’s is very lucky still to be with us. It must have ceased to be used as a church in the late Middle Ages. Certainly by the early 18th century the nave was being used as a school, while the chancel had been converted into a house, with two floors inserted into the tall building.

Canon Jones, the local vicar, began to investigate the buildings in the 1850s, and from his researches – and specifically from a reference in William of Malmesbury’s (a notable 12th-century historian) Gesta Pontificum of 1125 – he concluded that this altered building was actually extremely ancient. William of Malmesbury had described how ‘to this day there exists a little church which Aldhelm caused to have built to the name of the most blessed St Laurence’. Canon Jones continued to press for the return of the former church to ecclesiastical use and in 1871 it was bought and reconsecrated to St Laurence.

St Laurence’s Church is rather high in relation to its ground dimensions. It has a small nave and an eastern chancel. Originally built without windows (these were added toward the end of the Saxon era), it has two angels – dated to about 950 – carved on each side of the arch.

SECRETS

While you’re there

Visit the BRIDGE TEA ROOMS, consistently judged the best tea shop in Britain and serving generous portions of good food. (thebridgeatbradford.co.uk).

Secret place to stay

WOOLLEY GRANGE, Wooley Green (woolleygrangehotel.co.uk). Just 5km (3 miles) away, this Jacobean house offers facilities for children and a friendly welcome for dogs.

St Laurence’s contains fine 10th-century carvings.