St Lawrence Whitchurch is a remarkable continental-baroque church and the burial place to the ancestors of the first Duchess, the Dukes of Chandos. It lies on the north edge of London and is well worth a visit, despite its now unprepossessing surroundings. The interior was restored in 1973-84.

With the exception of the 14th century tower, the church was completely rebuilt by James Brydges, the first Duke of Chandos, in the first half of the 18th century. He lived at nearby Canons and entered the church from a new door in west tower. The Duke was a patron of Handel, who was a composer in residence at Canons and commemorated his patronage in the Chandos anthems. There is a Handel organ in the church.

Also: Letter on repairs to the Chandos Mausoleum, 1845. 

St Lawrence's from the south east	The Duke's door in the Tower
Interior	Interior from the Lady Chapel
	The Mausoleum. Built after the death of the second wife of James Brydges
	Monument to Margaret, wife the the 3rd Duke

For further information, see the St Lawrence website. To visit the church, locate Canons Park tube, near Junction 4 of the M1. The church is half a mile to the east adjacent to Canons Park. Car parking is at the church hall behind the church. Guided tours are given on Sunday afternoons, 2-5 in summer and 2-4 in winter.

Photographs by Andy Boddington with permission of Paul M Reece, Rector of Little Stanmore.