EssexTHEYDONBOISStMaryVirgin(markpercyCC-BY-SA2.0)1 MarkPercy

St Mary the Virgin

Victorian church designed by the distinguished architect Sydney Smirke.

Theydon Bois, Essex

Opening times

Open by arrangement.

Address

Piercing Hill/Coppice Row
Theydon Bois
Essex
CM16 7JN

The current church of St Mary's Theydon Bois is the second church to built on the site, opening for worship in 1851. The previous church had fallen down within ten years of construction and more details can be found on a plaque in the porch.

The building is Victorian in style with nave and chancel. The tower on the south west corner has a copper clad spire, within which are three church bells transferred from the old church located on the other side of the village, which was taken down in 1844. Monuments from that building were relocated to the present building. Various saints are depicted in the stained glass windows on either side of the church, and the window at the east end is dedicated to a former Vicar.

On entering through the main door, turn and look up at the Royal Coat of Arms of James I, one of only four examples in existence. The church grounds extend to over an acre and contain several notable tombs, include that of Frances Mary Buss, a pioneer of girls education.

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Car park at church

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Steps to enter the church or churchyard

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Mary & All Saints

Lambourne, Essex

This is a rural church to savour, a small, white painted building with a neat weather boarded belfry crowned by a lead covered broach spire.

St Mary

Chigwell, Essex

The church is Grade II* listed.   The nave and chancel are 12th century, and the church was greatly extended in 1854.