[2] It is believed that a church has existed at Upwey, on a site near the Wishing Well, since before the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

The earliest reference to a church of St Laurence dates to 1201, with the first known priest being John Wydeston in 1267.

[2] By the late 19th century, the church was in need of renovation and fundraising began in 1889, led by the rector, Rev.

Mr. John Thomas Micklethwaite of Westminster drew up the plans and Mr. Samuel Barnes of Broadwey hired as the contractor.

The restoration cost £890 and included general repairs, new flooring, the removal of all three galleries and installation of new pews of English oak.

[6] Once restoration work was completed, further fundraising began towards a new chancel, vestry and organ chamber.

Canon Gildea, sought the expertise of Messrs Crickmay and Sons of Weymouth on the existing chancel, which was found to be dilapidated and unstable.

[4] Upwey, including St Laurence's, suffered flooding damage in July 1955 when rainfall of 7.14 inches fell in 24 hours and swept down into the village.