History

Eastwood, so called because of its situation to the East of the woods of Rayleigh
and Thundersley which were part of the Greater Forest of Essex, appears in the
Doomsday Book (1086) as Estwda, held by Suen of Essex whose son, Robert de
Essex, founded Prittlewell Priory.
The first definite record of Eastwood Church is in 1100 AD when it became a
chapel to the Priory whence monks were sent to serve it but there is evidence of
a church at Eastwood before the date, probably the Norman nave of the present
church with a small apsidal chancel. Since the Reformation the patronage of the
parish has been held by the Crown.
The Building
Ragstone rubble with some puddingstone flints and Roman and Tudor brickwork.
Nave
Norman with remains of three windows high in the North Wall. First century roof
with massive tie-beams to diagonal king-posts unusual in a village church.
First alteration
13th Century piercing of the South Wall by three Early English bays and
construction of the South Aisle. Two of the columns in this arcade have slightly
flattened faces to enable ringers in the tower to see altar. The eastern most
column bears on its western face a graffiti of a knight in armour. At the same
time a hageioscope was cut through the angle of the chancel wall to allow a view
of the high altar from the South Aisle.
Second alteration
Two 14th Century arches in the North Wall springing from the wall without
supporting columns. 15th Century Great West Window - modern stained glass
(1978) depicting the life of Samuel Purchas, geographer and writer and
Eastwood's most notable incumbent. Chancel Chancel Arch is 14th Century with
traces of an earlier roof above it and below two sawn off ends of the rood beam.
Roof also 14th Century braced collar beams. Aumbry recess in North Wall and
priest's door in South Wall. South Aisle Recently restored to its original use as a
Side Chapel. Piscina in South Wall Aumbry in East Wall. Window nearest door in
South Wall shows St Laurence with gridiron (modern glass - 1964). Font reported
best example in Essex of late Norman or Early English (12th Century).
North Aisle Priest's Room (present vicar's vestry) at West End with trap door to
upper chamber, probably accommodation for the monks sent to services.
Door is massive, narrow trail-studded.
Tower Unusual position at West End of South Aisle. Lower stage early 13th
Century, upper stage modern with timber used in construction and clad with
wood shingles. Three original bells, two 14th Century and one 17th Century,
recently re-hung with three new bells to make a peal of six. Doors South
doorway 13th Century, door notable for sanctuary knocker recorded in Rolls of
Edward I (1272 - 1307) in connection with pardoning of a criminal. North door
may be a little earlier, recently repaired and re-hung as entrance to new choir
vestry added 1964 using locally made bricks and tiles of Tudor decoration. Both
doors particularly notable for 12th Century iron strap-work, excellent example of
early craftsmanship. Porch Brick, 16th Century. Pre-Reformation niche over
door way and holy water stoupe on East side of doorway. Roof timbers may be
ship's timber reused (see slots in cross beam). Remember that however
beautiful the building the church consists of people - indeed it was St Laurence
himself who, when ordered to bring out the treasures of the church, brought out
the people and some see in the form of this church a reference to the grid iron
on which he was later martyred in 259 AD. Thus you may care to reflect men
and women have been worshipping God here for almost a thousand years and
do so still.