Little Baddow

November 3, 2008

A number of you asked about the parish church that I mentioned in yesterday’s sermon and in which I sang in the choir as a schoolboy. Here is what I have been able to find.

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin

The church stands a mile away form the village, on a slight rise overlooking the beautiful Chelmer Valley. The early Norman church is seen in the north wall of the nave and incorporates Roman brick. The tower was added in the 14th century and in the early 15th century the chancel was rebuilt. There is a large wall painting of St. Christopher c.1375 opposite the south door, adjoining recently uncovered earlier works of art. In the south wall of the nave are two fine oak effigies c.1330 of a man in civilian dress and a woman. There is an elaborate monument to Sir Henry Mildmay (d.1639) and his two wives