Standing in virtual isolation, the remaining fabric of St Lawrence's is early 14th century, relatively preserved from heavy-handed Victorian restorations. The mystery is why was it built here? Asheldham as a village hardly exists, and consisted of just 4 households in 1086. When originally built (with central tower and apsidal sanctuary) the Norman church was half a mile east of the Iron Age fortification Asheldham Camp, later occupied by the Danes and the base for the tiny medieval village. Why was the church set apart and not inside the camp? (cf Danbury - St John the Baptist). It may be that the Normans thought that its tower was better placed for defensive views to the south and west, than was possible from the ancient campsite. The church is now in private hands as an outdoor training centre.