The Lavers are a group of 3 ( well I only know of 3 ) small villages a few miles of east of the new Town of Harlow. I have visited all 3 before but thought what the heck time to go back.
High Laver - All Saints
The church has a norman nave and a renewed Early English and a 14th century west tower.
On my first visit I was surprised to find the tomb of the philosopher John Locke. You would expect to find him at Westminster Abbey or an Oxford College Chapel and indeed there is a memorial and Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford. Locke was living with the Masham family at the time hence here he is! He wrote the inscription for the tablet which was moved inside in the 1930s.
These are fragments of medieval glass from the 13th/14th century.
Little Laver - St Mary the Virgin.
A 14th century church but heavily restored in 1872. It may not be historically of huge importance but it is obviously well loved by those who use it.
Magdalen Laver - St Mary Magdalen
Alas this was locked but as I've been here before click the link to have a look inside.
I understand it is normally open. The church contains much Roman Brick and I have read that it is speculated that a Roman Villa may have been in the area. A possibility I guess since there is a temple in Harlow
1 comment:
Three lovely churches and snowdrops :) Interesting about Locke. There is always so much of interest to see in a church and churchyard.
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