St Laurence-in-Thanet Church

Like most of the medieval churches in Thanet, St Laurence was founded as a chapel of ease to Minster Abbey. The church was probably founded shortly before the Norman Conquest, around 1062, making it the oldest building in Thanet apart from the Abbey itself.

The earliest parts of the church are built of Caen stone, favoured by Norman masons. Late additions are in local flint. The original church was quite simple, consisting of just a nave and tower, but this expanded in the 12th and 13th centuries to include a chancel and side aisles. In 1439 the tower was struck by lightning and had to be rebuilt. Curiously, the townsfolk raised the tower, making it even more likely to be hit by lightning, but thankfully nothing so unsettling occurred!

Queen Victoria worshipped at this Church when on holiday in Ramsgate.

It stands in St Lawrence High St (notice the spelling difference, an error centuries ago that has been retained) It is now one of the busiest corners in Thanet!

The Supermarket is a 21st century building and the pub is 18th century but the exact date is unknown

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