v Buildings & History

St Lawrence Church, on the High Street in Chobham, is a fine building, its earliest parts dating from about 1080, although it is likely that there was an earlier church on the site. It is dedicated to St Lawrence, who was martyred for his faith in Rome in 258.

Until 1215 the dead of the village were carried the seven miles to Chertsey Abbey, whose priests at that time conducted the services
in the church. At that date Thomas of Chobham, who became Sub-Dean of Salisbury Cathedral, and was a noted author of a Manual for Confessors, petitioned the Pope for a burial ground by the church. The first Vicar of Chobham was William Dagelynggesworth, who was appointed in 1324. The list of his successors can be found in the porch.

The Norman church probably finished at the present chancel step. Over the centuries the church has expanded in both northerly and easterly directions. Many generations have added elements of great beauty right down to our own times.

 The story behind the shield of St Lawrence - the gridiron - is that the saint is reputed to have been roasted to death on an iron frame over a charcoal fire after he came into conflict with the Roman authorities. An alternative account of the life of St Lawrence, who was a deacon of Rome noted for his care and concern for the poor, is only slightly less grisly, having him being put to death by beheading. 

Leaflets and guides are available in the porch at St Lawrence.

St Saviour at Valley End was designed by the great Victorian church architect Sir George Bodley, and dates from 1867. The Parish of Valley End was united with that of Chobham in the 1950s.

You can find more information about the history of the Churches of St Lawrence and St Saviour at www.chobham.info/st.htm