IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Main Street, RUGBY, CV23 9BB

As the name implies, Cross Street runs east-west across Long Lawford from School Street to Main Street and Chapel Street. This is the eastern end seen from School Street.

This old gravestone, which leans rather precariously, commemorates William Essex who died at the age of 85 in 1875. At the bottom is the name Mary Essex 'wife of the above' but further details have been lost due to damage. Between the two are some largely illegible words. Some research suggests that William lived his whole life in Long Lawford and that the Essex name crops up over the previous two centuries in this area, although there is no indication that any descendants continue to live in the village.

This part of the churchyard belonging to St John's Old Church has a wooded, secluded feel. The gravestone on the left, commemorating one William Essex and his wife Mary, looks to be in danger of toppling over.

The churchyard to the rear of St John's Old Church is divided by a hedge thought to date from the time of enclosure, well before the burial ground was created. The part of the churchyard beyond the hedge has a more secluded, wooded feel and this notice board draws attention to its natural history. The information available in this February view is appropriate to winter and three bird species are highlighted - wrens, treecreepers and woodpeckers.

Services are held here as the adjacent church is now closed.

Small Church for a large Village.

St John's Church was built in 1839 originally as a chapel of ease to St Botolph's at Newbold on Avon. It subsequently served Long Lawford's growing population but was closed in 1995 when the fabric of the building was found to be unsafe. Services were permanently transferred to the nearby former church hall. The old church is now being offered for commercial sale or let.

Although the surrounding churchyard is tidy and well kept, the church itself has been closed for over 25 years and is in poor physical condition. See Image

Clearly this dilapidated old door has not been used for some time. It is firmly locked and public access to the old church, which was closed in 1995, is no longer allowed for safety reasons. See Image for a view of the whole church.

Round Avenue connects School Street with Holbrook Road in the northern part of the village. It is seen here from School Street.