The Benefice of the Knights & Hospitallers Parishes

Comprising Great Maplestead, Little Maplestead, Gestingthorpe and Pebmarsh
parishes of the Diocese of Chelmsford, in North Essex

A Short Guide

Pebmarsh Home Page

It is believed that a previous church stood on this site, as Richard was “Parson of Pebmarsh” in 1254.  However the earliest part of the current building is the Tower, clearly added to an earlier, possibly Saxon Nave in the 14th Century.  

Later in that century the nave was rebuilt higher and wider and the two aisles either added or rebuilt. Sometime in the early 16^th century the Chancel was shortened and the South Porch added and the parapets rebuilt.  

Sometime in the 19th Century the plaster was stripped off the internal walls and the exposed flint walls ribbon pointed, giving an unusual appearance.

The brass of Sir William Fitzralph (1323) is the oldest surviving brass in the county of Essex.  It is also important because it illustrates the transition from chain mail to plate armour.

The Church Officers