St Laurence's Church, Ramsgate


St Laurence's Church, also known as St Laurence-in-Thanet, is a Church of England parish church in Ramsgate, Thanet, Kent.

History

The church, founded in 1062, is a grade I listed building, and is the oldest church in Ramsgate. It was an abbey church until 1275, when it became a parish church. The building was enlarged in the 12th and 13th centuries, including a chancel and side aisles being implemented.
A lightning strike in 1439 resulted in the church being rebuilt, with the tower being raised to its present height.
As Ramsgate grew, the town developed its own church: St Laurence became a separate parish in 1826.

Churchyard

St Laurence has a large churchyard covering three and a half acres. It contains over 1400 graves, the earliest of which is dated to 1656.

Notable burials