St Lawrence, Isle of Wight

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St Lawrence is a village on the south side of the Isle of Wight, in southern England. It is located to the west of Ventnor and many consider it a part of that town. St Lawrence is situated on the Undercliff, and is subject to regular landslips.

St. Lawrence is much older then Ventor. One of its churches dates from the 13th century. Before the addition of a chancel in 1830, this church was 25 feet long and 11 feet wide, and considered the smallest church in England. Although there are undoubtedly smaller chapels including the tiny church at Les Vauxbelets on Guernsey, this arguably remains the smallest to be built as a parish church — although this role has long since been supplanted by a larger church in the village. It also has a 15th century baptismal font, a stoup that is about 500 years old, and a series of 18th century hat pegs. The piscina niche is almost the same age as the church.

St. Lawrence also has a 19th century church which has a 17th century altar and a chest that dates from 1612.

There is a Tropical Bird Garden and the Glassworks by the Old Park Hotel in St. Lawrence. There is also a Rare Breeds and Wildlife Park close to the boundary with Ventnor.