St Michael
Kirby le Soken, Essex
St. Michael’s is the parish church serving both Kirby le Soken and Kirby Cross. It stands back from the main road through Kirby le Soken at the end of a driveway.
St Michaels is a Grade II* listed building situated at the heart of the village of Thorpe Le Soken. The church was first recorded in 1147. It was rebuilt in 1876 to a design by the Architect William White. Surviving from the medieval church are the outline of the nave and aisles. The c1500 tower, the north aisle and porch with muniments room above are also from the medieval period. Medieval features that remain also include a 13th century door and hinges, effigy of a knight and an elaborate 14th century timber arch relocated in the chancel.
The church also contains a unique set of paintings depicting the stations of the cross which were rescued from a British military church in Germany and are thought to be of German origin.