List of Church of England churches in Thurrock facts for kids

Thurrock is an area in England with a rich history. It's home to many old churches. These churches belong to the Church of England. They have been around for a very long time, some even before the year 1066! This article will tell you about some of these amazing historical buildings.

Exploring Thurrock's Old Churches

Thurrock has 17 traditional parish churches. These churches were built before 1850. A few other churches are partly in Thurrock. But their main church building is just outside the area. Over the years, some churches were changed or new ones were built. Some old churches were even given new uses.

What is a Parish Church?

A parish church is a local church building. It serves a specific area called a parish. For hundreds of years, these churches were the center of community life. People would gather there for worship and important events.

Churches with Ancient Roots

Many churches in Thurrock are incredibly old. Some were built even before the Norman Conquest in 1066! These buildings offer a glimpse into England's past.

• Chadwell St Mary: This church is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. It was built before 1066.
• Corringham: Also dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. It dates back before 1066. You can still see Saxon stonework on its walls.
• Fobbing: This church is dedicated to St Michael. It was built before 1066. It also has Saxon stonework and an old blocked-up window.
• Horndon-on-the-Hill: Dedicated to St Peter and St Paul. This church was built before 1066.
• Orsett: Dedicated to St Giles and All Saints. This church also dates from before 1066.
• Stifford: This church is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. It was built before 1066.

Churches from Before 1300

Other churches in Thurrock are also very old. They were built before the year 1300.

• Aveley: Dedicated to St Michael. It was built before 1300.
• East Tilbury: Dedicated to St Catherine. This church was built before 1300.
• Langdon Hills: Dedicated to St Mary and All Saints. The current building is from the 15th century. But there was a church here before 1300.
• Little Thurrock: Dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. This church was built before 1300, possibly around 1170.
• Stanford-le-Hope: Dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch. This church was built before 1300.
• West Thurrock: Dedicated to St Clement. It was built before 1090. You can still see the foundations of its 11th-century round nave.
• West Tilbury: Dedicated to St James. This church was built before 1200.

Churches with Special Stories

Some churches have interesting histories or features.

• Bulphan: Dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. This church is from the 15th century. It was rebuilt in the 19th century.
• Grays Thurrock: Dedicated to St Peter and St Paul. This church was built around 1254. It might even be older, from before 1085.
• Mucking: Dedicated to St John the Baptist. The current building is mostly from the 19th century. But it has some older parts.
• South Ockendon: Dedicated to St Nicholas. It was built before 1085. The main building is from the 15th century. Its tower is even older, from the 13th century.

Some old churches are no longer used for worship. They are called "redundant" churches. They might be used for other purposes now.

• The church at Langdon Hills is now a private home.
• The church at Mucking is also a private home.
• The church at West Thurrock is owned by a company called Procter & Gamble.
• The church at West Tilbury is another private home.

Why are Churches "Listed"?

Many of these old churches have a "listing" status. This means they are protected because they are important historical buildings.

• Grade I means the building is of exceptional interest. It is a very important historical building.
• Grade II* means the building is particularly important. It is more than just special interest.