We bring to an end of our Then & Now series in Lacock with a look at what was one of the earliest buildings in the village – the church.

There was a well-established settlement by the year 871 and the earliest church may well have been Saxon.

The name Lacock comes from the Saxon word Lacuc or stream and the first houses were probably by Bide Brook which runs through Lacock.

However, the first known church was built by two Normans, Edward of Salisbury and William De Ow who held neighbouring manors of Lacock.

During the 19th century a few stones – all that remains of the Norman church – were discovered and are stored at Lacock Abbey.

The dedication to St Cyriac is unusual in this country although not in Normandy.

A major rebuilding took place in the late 15th century by which time Lacock was a thriving township involved in the wool trade.

Although the main part of the church as we see it today was built about 1450, the Lady Chapel predates it by about 30 years. The spire was added in the 1700s.

Further restoration took place in 1861 when the transept arches were raised to their present height and old box pews replaced by the present pews.

More domestic alterations were made in the 20th century to make the church more usable and friendly.

Our archive picture was taken about 100 years ago, long before the motor car dominated the scene.

Next week Then & Now moves features Steeple Ashton, near Trowbridge.