The Church of St.Cyriac was probably built before the foundation of Lacock Abbey in 1230. Dedicating a Church to St Cyriac is unusual in England and more commonly found in Normandy, suggesting that may be the original Church was Norman. Also some Norman stonework was found during restoration work in 1875. However the building seen today is largely from the 1500s with just the base of the tower and the North Transept as early English and there is also one early English stone in the Chancel. The Lady Chapel is thought to date from around 1420- 1430. The Transept roofs were raised to match the tall Nave with its clerestory in 1861 during a restoration project by Arthur Blomfield. The chancel was re-modelled in 1902 in memory of one of Lacock’s most famous residents William Henry Fox Talbot who died in 1877. St Cyriac’s was the first church in the world to be photographed by Fox Talbot who lived in the village at Lacock Abbey. He was also Lay Rector for the Church which meant he had responsibility for the Chancel and entitled to receive the rectorial tithes of the Benefice and his family were Patrons for the Church. The Church Cottage with vestry was built in 1993. The Church also has connections to Awdry family related to the Rev Awdry of Thomas the Tank Engine fame. The Church itself has a centre aisle and two side asile’s as well an additional asile known as the Lackham Asile.

The Churchyard

The Churchyard was formally closed for burials in 1860 and sadly there is no full plan of burials known about at this time.
Within the graveyard was are a number of table-top style tombs some of which can be identified by their inscriptions. There are no Commonwealth War Graves in the graveyard. There is a private footpath into the back of the graveyard from Lacock Abbey via the Allottments. There is also a memorial garden where ashes can still be buried.

Parish Records

The older parish records for St Cyriac’s are held at the Wiltshire History Centre in Chippenham, however we do have a transcript of what they contain held at the church for any enquiries please email info@lacockchurches.org.uk