Weston-u-Penyard

Weston-under-Penyard (recorded as Westune in the Domesday Book ), derives its name from its geographical situation. Westune lies to the southwest of Bromsash, where the Hundreds Courts for this district were once held; 'under Penyard' indicates that the village nestles under the north-eastern fold of this wooded hill.

The Church is situated on the lower slopes of the hill, and is built of local sandstone with ashlar dressing. Originally a church within the parish of Ross-on-Wye, Weston became a parish church in 1683 during the reign of Charles II. Parts of the building date from the late 12th century, but since then many alterations and additions have taken place, the last major restoration being in 1867.

The Dedication is to St. Lawrence, one of the seven deacons of Rome in the 3rd century. When ordered by the Prefect of Rome to hand over the treasures of the Church, St. Lawrence allegedly assembled the sick and poor in his care, saying to the Prefect, 'these are the treasures of the Church.' For this defiant action, St. Lawrence was punished by being slowly roasted to death on a gridiron.

St Lawernce by Donatello in St Lawrence's Church, Florence
Death of St Lawrence by Donatello in St Lawrence's Church, Florence

Modern scholars have challenged this legend. They believe he was beheaded. Whatever the form of St. Lawrence's martyrdom, he rapidly became an important Saint in the Church's calendar. By the end of the 4th century his Feast Day, 10th August, was being celebrated.

	Ross Team Ministry



Welcome to the Parish of St. Lawrence, Weston-under-Penyard
	Weston-under-Penyard (recorded as Westune in the Domesday Book ), derives its name from its geographical situation. Westune lies to the southwest of Bromsash, where the Hundreds Courts for this district were once held; 'under Penyard' indicates that the village nestles under the north-eastern fold of this wooded hill. The Church is situated on the lower slopes of the hill, and is built of local sandstone with ashlar dressing. Originally a church within the parish of Ross-on-Wye, Weston became a parish church in 1683 during the reign of Charles II. Parts of the building date from the late 12th century, but since then many alterations and additions have taken place, the last major restoration being in 1867. The Dedication is to St. Lawrence, one of the seven deacons of Rome in the 3rd century. When ordered by the Prefect of Rome to hand over the treasures of the Church, St. Lawrence allegedly assembled the sick and poor in his care, saying to the Prefect, 'these are the treasures of the Church.' For this defiant action, St. Lawrence was punished by being slowly roasted to death on a gridiron. Death of St Lawrence by Donatello in St Lawrence's Church, Florence Modern scholars have challenged this legend. They believe he was beheaded. Whatever the form of St. Lawrence's martyrdom, he rapidly became an important Saint in the Church's calendar. By the end of the 4th century his Feast Day, 10th August, was being celebrated.