Stanmore church's famous organ

By Elaine Okyere

It was lights, camera and action at Stanmore church as filming took place for two upcoming programmes.
St Lawrence church, in Little Stanmore, was visited by crews from the BBC to film the church's organ, which was once played by world-famous composer George Handel.
Comedian Alexander Armstrong, of Armstrong and Miller fame, came to the Anglican church to film a documentary on the composer on July 9. Only a week before Charles Hazlewood from Radio two arrived to catch a glimpse of the historic building for a show on the birth of British classical music.
Father Paul Reece, who has been at the St Lawrence 16 years, said: "It is the only place that Handel played on the organ and it has been restored. Lots of people from around the world come to see the church.
"It is a real joy to worship in the building and it adds to the church experience."
The continental baroque church was rebuilt by James Brydges, first Duke of Chandos after he bought the Cannons estate in Little Stanmore in 1715.
The church's interior was crafted by 18th century artists including Antonio Bellucci and Louis Laguerre. Master woodcarver Grinling Gibbons created Handel's organ case in 1717, but the original instrument has since lost a lot of its character due to rebuilding work. However specialist organ builders recently restored it to how Handel would have known it.
Handel was composer in residence at the Cannons Estate from 1717-18 during this time he lived on the estate and composed The Chandos Anthems and what is often regarded as the first English oratorio, Esther.
For more information on the church visit www.little-stanmore.org.