St Giles & All Saints Church, Orsett facts for kids

St Giles & All Saints Church
Orsett Church
51°30′46″N 0°22′06″E / 51.5128°N 0.3683°E / 51.5128; 0.3683
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
History
Status	Active
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade I
Architect(s)	Sir Charles Nicholson & Edward Fincham (following fire)
Specifications
Bells	Yes
Administration
Benefice	United Benefice of Orsett, Bulphan and Horndon-on-the-Hill
Diocese	Diocese of Chelmsford

St Giles & All Saints Church is a very old church located in Orsett, Essex, England. It belongs to the Church of England. This church is special because it is a Grade I listed building, which means it's considered very important historically and architecturally.

A Look Back at Orsett Church's History

This church has been around for a very long time! Its walls are made from different kinds of stone like flint and ragstone. The tower on the northwest side is mostly made of brick.

How the Church Grew Over Time

The main part of the church, called the nave, and the original chancel (the area around the altar) were built in the mid-12th century. That's over 800 years ago!

• Around 1230, a north aisle (a side section) was added. A small chapel was also built next to the chancel.
• Later, the north aisle was rebuilt and made wider. The old chancel became part of the nave, and a new chancel was built further out.
• In the 15th century, the northwest tower was added. The west wall of the nave was rebuilt, and a south porch was put in.
• Around 1500, another north chapel was added.
• The tower was rebuilt quite a bit in 1610 and had more repairs in 1674.
• Some newer parts, like the organ room and a north vestry, were added more recently. The south porch has also been mostly rebuilt.

The 1926 Fire and Rebuilding

In July 1926, the church had a big fire. This meant that the roofs needed a major repair. The church was redesigned by famous architects Sir Charles Nicholson and Edward Fincham. It's interesting to know that the roofs were actually being rebuilt when the fire happened!

Special Features in the Churchyard

Outside the church, in the graveyard, you can find some interesting things.

• There's an old sandstone cross that was put there by the Whitmore family from Orsett Hall. It's quite worn down now.
• You can also see a fancy tomb for Captain Bonham, who was a wealthy ship owner and the first owner of Orsett House.

Ancient Sundials at the Entrance

Look closely under the archway at the church's entrance. You'll find three scratch sundials! These are thought to be as old as the church itself, showing how people told time centuries ago.

Orsett Church Today

Today, St Giles & All Saints Church is part of a larger group of churches. It joins with the parishes of Bulphan and Horndon on the Hill. They work together as one united benefice.