Geology Site Account

Site name: St Lawrence Church, Eastwood

Grid reference: TQ 8616 8884

Brief description of site:

A sarsen stone inside St. Lawrence Church. A very unusual example of a 'pagan stone' inside a church.

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Summary of geological interest

Between the pews and poking through the floorboards inside St. Lawrence Church is a 65 centimetre (2 foot) long sarsen stone. 'Pagan' stones were often incorporated into the foundations of churches but it is very unusual for one to be in such a conspicuous position inside the building. This stone, like the similar one in the wall of Hadleigh Church, is no doubt derived from the high level Medway gravels that cap the hill at Hadleigh and, therefore, must have originated in Kent.

Regrettably, St. Lawrence Church has been threatened with demolition to make way for an extension to Southend Airport.