Parish Church of All Saints (EHER 3245)

Parish church with Nave early 12th century, altered in the 15th century, extended in 1908. The chancel was built in the early 14th century, repaired in 1697. The north vestry and south porch was built in 1908. The church has been restored in modern times with the north vestry and south porch being added. The church walls are septaria rubble and brick with limestone dressings, the roofs are tiled.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Parish church; All Saint's Church The church walls are built of septaria rubble and brick with limestone dressings, the roofs are tiled. The nave was built in the early 12th century, the chancel was rebuilt in the early 14th century, the upper part of nave was rebuilt in the 15th century, the east wall rebuilt 1697. The restored nave was lengthened towards the west, the north vestry and south porch were added in modern times. Features and fittings include: windows and surviving details of 14th and 15th century date; 12th century north doorway in nave; late 15th century lower doorway to former rood-loft staircase in nave north wall, at east end early 15th century south doorway, with lintel of early 12th century doorway above; east part of nave roof is late 15th century, hammer beam; 13th century coffin lid of Purbeck marble in porch; 15th century font; fragments of window jambs etc in churchyard and rectory garden. <1> <2> <3> Aerial photograph of the church in SMR. <4> Graded CIIIb by Rodwell. <5> Site Assessment = Hammer beam roof is not a frequent feature in Essex. <3> Apart from the Norman north doorway, there is nothing of merit in the fabric, but the hammer beam roof is noteworthy; it has recently been restored. "Externally the ancient walls are cement rendered and ground level is high; a new shingle-filled drainage trench has been dug along the S side internal dampness was serious, but may have been alleviated now...Archaeological potential unknown and not very promising". <5> The coffin lid was found under the floor of the chancel after its repair in 1697. Morant reported, in 1768, that there was `formerly a stone tower, with 5 bells; now only 2, in a wooden turret' (presumably the free-standing structure south of the church (see 3248). <6> <7> Photographs <8> Additional references <9> <10> <11>