St Laurence's Church is one of very few surviving Anglo-Saxon churches in England that does not show later medieval alteration or rebuilding.

According to the chronicle "Gesta Regum Anglorum" by William of Malmesbury, an ecclesiola was founded in Bradford-on-Avon around the year 700. It may have been founded by Saint Aldhelm.

The building was used as a combined school (nave) and cottage (chancel) for many years, both on more than one storey. It was rediscovered as a church in 1856 and restored 1870 - 1880.