Reading’s St. Laurence Church lays claim to an eventful and tumultuous history. The church, today one of the prominent Reading attractions was originally constructed next to the Abbey Church of Reading to provide a place of worship for the residents of the town’s eastern quarter. As the Abbey Church served to promote local trade, St. Laurence Church found itself surrounded in a sizable marketplace. Due to these developments the area is known to this day as the Butter Market.   

The church was rebuilt extensively in 1196 and underwent further major reconstruction in the 15th century. St. Laurence Church houses many items of note; a font constructed by an expert artisan from Hampton Court Palace which was used a half century later in the christening of Archbishop Laud; numerous interesting brass items; carved 15th century choir stalls; an overwritten manuscript from London’s Charterhouse; a section of an altar displaying The Adoration of the Magi; a parish chest from the 16th century; and a captivating memorial to John Blagrave, a renowned mathematician of the 17th century.

Today St. Laurence Church is a vibrant youth-oriented church which aims to attract young people towards the Christian faith. Administered by a group of staunch Christians affiliated with the Church of England denomination in Reading, the objective of the church is to instil Christian faith and values in the younger generation. However persons of all ages are welcome to attend church services or visit the church.

The faithful congregation that meets here each Sunday contributes by sharing their prayers, resources and time in the work of the church. Each summer the church involves itself with over 300 young people, forging relationships and organising enjoyable activities in which the youth can participate.