Holy Trinity, Southchurch

Image: © Julieanne Savage Taken: 17 Feb 2007

Southchurch has earlier documentary evidence than any other church in south-east Essex. In the year 824, a Saxon thegn named Leofstan presented the manor of Sudcerca (Southchurch) to the monks of Canterbury. The name alone indicates that a church-in-the-south was then in existence. No trace of the original wooden church remains, but the oldest parts of the present church date back to the year 1150. The chancel probably dates from about 1250 AD. Entrance to what is called "the old church" is through the ancient porch and splendid Norman doorway - pause to inspect the mallet and chisel marks on the stonework made by the Norman craftsmen, also the old oak door with its heavy ironwork. The bell, still calling people to worship, was installed in the 14th century and is inscribed "Johannes".

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