St Mary the Virgin

Aythorpe Roding church is a typical example of a 13th century Essex Manor Church, situated away from the centre of the village. It is constructed of flint and rubble, though this has been largely obscured by a coating of cement added later possibly to give extra protection from the weather as the building is in a very exposed position. The roof is tiled and at the west end there is a weather boarded bell tower surmounted by a squat shingle spire. The church was restored in the 19th century when a vestry was added on the north side and a porch on the south side where the date can be seen on the woodwork.

Inside the church is small and simple, although the narrow lancet windows and stain glass restrict the light. At the west end of the church the stain glass installed in 1902 depicts a scene showing Christ blessing the children. On the north wall is a white marble memorial to the six men from the parish who gave their lives during WWI and a brass tablet to the one parishioner killed in action during the Second World War.

The chancel is nearly as large as the nave. The bell tower/turret at the west end of the nave stands on four 15th century oak posts supporting two tie-beams, the beam at extreme west end still having the original curved braces. At some time a small gallery was installed under the bell tower and it is possible to see where the oak posts were repaired when the gallery was later removed.

The churchyard is accessed via a 19th century lych gate. The church is entered through the porch via a very low 13th century doorway, a reminder that our predecessors were not as tall as those of today. There are no tombstones of special note in the churchyard, however one slab lying flush with the ground has an interesting inscription.

'Here lieth the body of Mary Knight who departed this life June the third 1762 Aged 17 years. All you that come My grave to see Repent in time Make no delay I in my prime Was snatched away'

We hope you enjoy visiting this special and peaceful place.