1121 - 1970

12th century to 15th century

The church building has been around for nearly 900 years. First it was a chapel at the gates of Reading Abbey in 1121. Due to its position by the Abbey, trade in the area was stimulated. A large market sprung up around the church. One road leading to St Laurence’s became known as ‘Market Place’, so Market Place Square is now directly next to us.

The current tower was built in 1458 and contains several fragments of Norman work. This suggests that the 1458 tower was partially built with materials from the first tower from the Norman era.

16th century to 19th century

During the Reformation, St. Laurence was drastically altered. Murals were whitewashed and images defaced or removed in 1547. Stain glass windows were then taken out in 1549. All altars - except the High Altar and St. John’s Altar - were removed and sold.  

In 1882 the tower was restored and housed bells for ringing. We still have 12 bells, which makes us the only “12 bell church” in Reading! Whilst we don’t ring the bells for services, they’re used by local bell ringers for regular practices and competitions.

20th century – up until 1970

In February 1943, during WW2, two planes dropped bombs on the town centre. 41 people lost their lives. A commemorative plaque is now on the wall of Blandy and Blandy solicitors, next to the church. Shrapnel damage to St. Laurence’s wall can still be seen today, and part of the dislodged west window now lies in the graveyard. Both planes were brought down returning to Germany, leading to the complete loss of life of all on board.

1970 - 2001

In the 1970s, the numbers of the St Laurence congregation declined.  As a result, the parish was merged with that of Saint Mary's (Reading Minster). When numbers continued to fall, the Diocese decided that St. Laurence would have a new role.

Chris Russell became the vicar. He was given the mandate “to see nonchurched young people come to faith and build new forms of church with them.”

2001 - 2015 (ISH)

Chris and Belinda Russell moved to Reading with a small team in 2001. The team focused on engaging with “nonchurched” young people.

One key element of creating space for this mission was the reordering of the building’s interior. During the reordering, we met at All Saints Parish Hall (off the Bath Road) and St Mary’s (Reading Minster).  The reordering was finally completed in November 2004 and the church reopened for use!

We initially had a small staff structure (a youth work director, a PA to the vicar who also held the internal office management, and part time youth workers). But our engagement with young people has been the shared mission for the whole church to muck in with. It's always humbling and moving, to see how people are so willing to give of themselves.

We also have some small groups meeting in homes across Reading (of course - we are a church after all). We have social get togethers when we're in the mood for a jolly, as well as seasonal services (Holy Week and Christmas) and so much more.  We also gather annually as a church family for a weekend, which is old school fun times.

In July 2013, Chris was seconded to Lambeth Palace for 2 days a week to become the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Advisor on Evangelism and Witness.  Chris continued being vicar at St Laurence’s, and we took on a curate who supported some of those duties as part of their training.