Church of St James (EHER 1675)

Parish church built late 11th or early 12th Century, with alterations in 14th Century. Additions, alterations and restoration work was completed in 1879.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Parish church built late 11th or early 12th Century, with alterations in 14th Century. Additions, alterations and restoration work was completed in 1879. Walls are of flint and ragstone rubble with limestone dressings. The chancel and nave were built in late 11th or early 12th century. The chancel was lengthened in the 14th century and the nave widened towards the north, "perhaps at some period". Features and fittings: windows and parts of windows of the late 11th or early 12th century, 13th century, 14th century, herring-bone masonry of the late 11th or early 12th century, a brass indent of the 14th century, a coffin lid of the 13th century, a piscina of the 14th century. <1> "Well placed on the edge of the escarpment looking to the S towards the river." Early Norman window in the north wall mentioned by the RCHM is not now visible. 14th century windows except lancet on the south side, near the west end (13th century according to RCHM). <2> In 1879 the nave was lengthened towards the west, the west tower, north porch and vestry were added and the church was much restored and partly rebuilt. 3, probably 4 17th century bells. <1> In the early 1970s a drawing and plan of the church was found, showing it as it was before restoration, in 1878. The window designs shown can't be pre late 17th century. Shown as a typical Essex church with a simple nave, chancel, small weatherboarded belfry and steeple supported by timber posts in the west end of the nave. According to Palin there was a tradition of a north aisle but no trace has been found, according to the Rector, during his incumbency. This source doubts Pevsner's dating of the windows as 14th century, saying if so they aren't indigenous. <4> <5> Palin believed that Fairfax's troops had despoiled the church in 1648. Pulpit is Jacobean. <4> <5> 12th century nave, largely refaced in the 19th century, except the south wall. One 12th century window, remains of a 13th century one. 11th century chancel, a window has 14th century splays and rear arch. North wall with 14th century window, part of an 11th century window. North vestry and porch of 1879, "incorporating much early material". <6> <7> Distant photo of church in SMR. <8> Site Assessment: Undergoing redundancy procedure 1981-1982. Fittings being transferred to East Tilbury. Clock to remain. Church proposed conversion to a dwelling. <3> One of the dominant landmarks of South Essex. <6> Two letters refer to the removal of fittings from the church. <9> <10> Additional references <11> <12> St James's Church [NAT] <13>