St. Laurence Church

St. Laurence Church (Northfield Church), The Grade I listed building dates from the 12th century and contains some of the finest early English work in the county. It also has a rare 14th-century timber porch outside the south door. The gridiron associated with the martyrdom of St. Laurence can be seen in the stonework of the church tower. (wiki)

One of the most popular postcard scenes of Northfield village is this one, including the Great Stone Inn & Village Pound. Second most popular is the the view from the south side, Church Hill.

 Some of the stained glass windows in the church. The beautiful depth of colour and ornate designs of the windows are masterpieces contributed to the work of Hardman & Co. Modern copies of the original pieces.

A well-known legend has persisted from earliest times. As deacon in Rome, St Lawrence was charged with the responsibility for the material goods of the Church and the distribution of alms to the poor. St Ambrose of Milan relates that when St Lawrence was asked for the treasures of the Church he brought forward the poor, among whom he had divided the treasure as alms. "Behold in these poor persons the treasures which I promised to show you; to which I will add pearls and precious stones, those widows and consecrated virgins, which are the church’s crown." The prefect was so angry that he had a great gridiron prepared, with coals beneath it, and had Lawrence’s body placed on it (hence St Lawrence's association with the gridiron).

 St. Laurence died aged 28 in 258 AD. He was roasted alive (on a gridiron) by the Romans and suffered great pain, after which he was said to have said; "Turn me over, i'm done on this side"