St Lawrence

St Lawrence is built of local stone, mainly sandstone, and stands at the foot of the main street in Appleby, Boroughgate, behind the stone cloisters, and close to the River Eden and the cricket ground, giving a very pleasant situation to the building. 

The oldest part of the church in the tower dates back to the 12th century but the church was substantially re-built in the 14th century with further alterations in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Highlights include a black marble monument of Lady Anne Clifford in the north or St Nicholas chapel together with an alabaster memorial to her mother raised by Lady Anne, both 17th century. There are two carvings in the rafters connected with the time she restored the building. 

There is also a connection to George Washington, as his father and half brothers attended Appleby Grammar School and the church has a monument to a teacher at the school at that time. Above the chancel arch, we have an interesting and unusual royal coat of arms with an inscription. We have the housing for a small chained library. The Corporation Pew under the pulpit dates from about 1720 and is still used by the Mayor and Councillors on civic occasions. Note also the late Stewart Sword Rest on the pillar over the Corporation Pew.

The organ dates back to 1660 and was installed in Appleby in 1683. It is still played regularly at services and occasional recitals are given in the church. Above the nave is a delightful moulded ceiling installed in 1831. Other features include pillars in the nave from around 1300, the porch from the same date and a dog toothed arch believed to be from around 1200. 

Brief visitor's guides are available in the church.