Church of St Laurence (Grade I Listing)
Location: Upton cum Chalvey, Bucks.

This was a Saxon building, originally, made of wood, of which no traces have survived. The building was replaced with a stone building in the early part of 12th century. Traces of a Norman window can be seen in the north wall of the nave. The arrival of the Priors of Merton resulted in the extension of the nave and the addition of the beautiful Chancel with painted arches. Inside the building, the Piscina and the Font date from Norman times and the Rood Screen from 13th century.

The Brasses and Memorials are worthy of note as are the windows. The Bulstrode brasses date from 1599.
The most recent window was the result of a legacy by Miss Nora Cruickshank which has given a window depicting the heavens and reflecting the work of Sir William Herschel, the King’s Astronomer. It was dedicated in February 2001. The famous astronomer, Sir William Herschel, who lived in Slough, was buried beneath the Tower in 1822.

By 1835 the church building was emptied but was saved from destruction by the generosity of Mr Pocock, who gave fifty pounds to retain the structure. The building enjoyed today is the result of the efforts made between 1850 and 1851, and in subsequent years, to restore and maintain the Church of St Laurence for present and future generations.

The Churchyard contains the remains of many notable families, nine of these are Grade II listed.

References
Some Brief Notes on its History for the Benefit of Visitors and Personal research of Mr K. Bryant