Introduction

The churches in Laverstoke and Freefolk possess a long and interesting history, particularly from the eighteenth century onwards, when they became closely associated with the Portal family. The Portals rose to prominence and fortune through their significant involvement in paper making at mills along the River Test. Laverstoke became a model workers’ village for the mill.

Early Origins

Evidence of a church at Laverstoke, referred to as ‘Lavrochestoke’, can be traced back to the Domesday Book. St Nicholas, known as ‘the chapel of Freefolk’, is also recorded in a Papal Bull from 1187. The original St Mary the Virgin church, along with the village of Laverstoke, was once located within the grounds of what is now Laverstoke Park.

Parish developments in the 1800’s

In 1872, St Nicholas became the parish church for the newly united benefice of Laverstoke with Freefolk. This arrangement continued until the completion of the new St Mary the Virgin church in 1896. The old St Mary the Virgin church became a mortuary chapel for the Portal family in 1874-75. It was demolished in 1952. In 1976, St Nicholas was placed in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

The ‘new’ St Mary the Virgin Church

The present church of St Mary the Virgin was designed by J. L. Pearson, who also designed Truro Cathedral. The church owes its construction to the generosity of Mr Melville Portal and Mr Wyndham Portal. Building began in spring 1892 under Pearson’s direction, following the architectural style of the 13th century. The total cost was approximately £10,000. The structure, built of flint and stone, is well proportioned with a central tower and spire on the south side. The church was consecrated in September 1896.

The church is richly decorated inside. A notable feature is the reredos above the altar. This is a triptych modelled on the renaissance twelve apostle’s masterpiece in Jacobskirche in Rotheburg ob de Tauber in Bavaria. The carving is the work of Moores Brother of Winchester, and the painting was completed by Clayton and Bell. The stained-glass windows in the chancel depict the twelve apostles.

The rood screen, made of teak, features intricate fan tracery and is topped with a rood flanked by kneeling angels, produced by Messrs Luscombe of Exeter.

In the base of the tower there is a war memorial chapel remembering the fallen of WWI. When the church was built the Jacobean monument to Sir Richard Powlett who died in 1614 was moved from St Nicholas and placed in the tower chapel. This was later returned to St Nicholas church where it can now be seen.

The church has six bells by Mears & Stainbank. Four were installed in 1905 and the other two in 1914.