Parish Church of St Mary and St Edward, West Hanningfield (EHER 17494)

A small church of 12th century origin, much altered in the 18th to 19th century. The most interesting feature is the early mediaeval timber-framed belfry dated by C.A. Hewett to the 1st half of the 14th century.

Monument description derived from merging EHER 17494, 17495, and 30892. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: St Mary and St Edward's Church (CofE) [NAT]. <1> The walls are of flint and pebble-rubble and pudding-stone. The chancel is mostly of brick, and the tower is timber-framed. The dressings are of limestone and the roofs are covered with slate and lead. The nave is probably 12th century but little remaining evidence of this. About 1330 the south arcade and aisle was built, probably by Isabel Cloville, whose brass, dated 1361, and only partially destroyed by puritan vandals, is the fourth oldest in Essex. The timber belfry (cruciform plan) was added late in the 15th century. Early in the 16th century the chancel was rebuilt and lengthened. The rebuilt may have been commissioned by W.M. Alyington and his wife Margery (a Cloville) who were living at Cloville Hall at this time - their tomb is in the chancel. When the east end again collapsed in 1861 it was rebuilt by Thomas Brooksby (rector 1801- 1842). The organ was installed in 1861, but is much older. The south porch is timber-framed and of early 16th century date on 18th century dwarf brick walls. Some experts believe the tower may be earlier, possibly 13th century. <2> - <4> Church of St Mary and St Edward. A small church of 12th century origin much, altered in the 18th and 19th century. RCHM1. Grade B. <5> See: <6>