Thurstable and Winstree Team Ministry
serving the parishes of Tiptree with Tolleshunt Knights and Great Braxted, Copford, Easthorpe, Messing, Inworth,
Layer de la Haye, Layer Breton with Birch, and Layer Marney
The 'Layer' Parishes: Layer de la Haye • Layer Breton with Birch • Layer Marney
Our Three Village Churches
St John the Baptist, Layer de la Haye
LOCATION (Postcode for Sat-Nav users: CO2 0EW)
The church is situated south of Layer de la Haye on the B1026. Heading south, it is on the left hand side just after Wick Farm. The church's car park is just south of the church and is visible from the road. Coming from Layer de la Haye, drive a short distance past the church and turn left into the very short access road and left again into the car parking area.
HISTORY
The first record of the church's existence is found in a charter of 1128, although the oldest parts of the present walls were built some time before. At this time the church belonged to the Abbey of St John in Colchester, but within sixty years it had passed to the Priors of St Botolph. It was from these two great religious houses that the priests who ministered to the needs of the parish were drawn for over four hundred years.
The written records of the church are few. We know that after the Black Death the monks of St Botolph set to work to rebuild the nave and tower, both of which date from about 1350. A hundred years later they raised the chancel arch and gave the church its oldest bell (1459).
During the 17th and 18th centuries the church suffered from neglect while it was held in plurality with Berechurch and other places. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that steps were taken to repair the fabric of the church and make it fully fit for worship. This was during the incumbency of the first resident vicar. The church was also enlarged by the building of the south aisle because the population had more than doubled since the turn of the century.
The registers of the church date only from 1752, fire having destroyed the earlier ones which probably dated from the sixteenth century.
The bells are of particular interest and below is a link to a page giving fuller details. Early in 2001 we completed a major restoration project involving the installation of a new bell frame and ringing chamber in the tower, a new bell, and refurbishment of the other bells, the oldest of which dates back to circa 1459.
Related pages: - The Bells | Visitor's Guide
More images of the interior and exterior can be found at www.essexchurches.info/church.asp?p=Layer de la Haye
St Mary the Virgin, Layer Breton
LOCATION (Postcode for Sat-Nav users: CO2 0PW)
The church stands at the south west corner of Layer Breton Heath. Driving from Birch to Layer Breton you will find it on your left just before the Heath gives way to housing and just before the right turn into Shatters Road. The church's car park is on the south side of the building.
HISTORY
The smallest and newest of our three churches, St Mary's was constructed by the village firm of Huttons and consecrated on 16th November 1923. Built in remembrance of James Round of Birch Hall (a local landowner and Privy Councillor) by his relations and friends, it replaced the old Layer Breton Church. (This stood opposite Layer Breton Hall until being demolished in 1915 because it was unsafe. A picture of it hangs at the back of the church near the font.)
The sanctuary has fine oak panelling. On the north wall of the nave there is a memorial to a former churchwarden and benefactor, Walter de Zoete, given in 1934, and another to his wife Edith who died 13th May 1924. The organ at the back of the church was built by students of Merton Technical College, Wimbledon, and installed in March 1996. The cost was met by a bequest from a former parishioner, Vera Reiney.
Following the closure of St Peter's Church, Birch in 1990, St Mary's church became the parish church of Birch as well as of Layer Breton.
St Peter's Church, Birch, mentioned above, is opposite the school in Birch. Designed by a well known Victorian church architect, Samuel Sanders Teulon, it was built in 1850 by Charles Gray Round, a local landowner, to replace a medieval church that stood on the site. The spire is a prominent local landmark but, for decades, has been in a very poor state due to the effects of the weather on its relatively porous stonework.
Various efforts were made in 1985 to raise funds for the church's restoration. However, it became clear the fabric of the building was in such poor condition that the cost of restoration, some £80,000, was well beyond the resources of the local community. For safety reasons, such as falling masonry, the church ceased being used for worship in about 1987 and was officially closed in October 1990.
On the diocesan website at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/birch-memorial-garden/history there is a history of the various attempts made, since the church's closure in 1990, to find a new use for the building. On another page of that website, at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/birch-memorial-garden/latest-news , are news updates about the site of the church.
St Mary the Virgin, Layer Marney
LOCATION (Postcode for Sat-Nav users: CO5 9UR)
From the B1022 road follow the brown tourist signs to Layer Marney Tower. Continue along the road, past (not through) the entrance to the Tower. At the end of this road turn right and drive along the track to the church. From this track you will see a splendid view of the Tower on your right. There is space to park in front of the church.
HISTORY
The ancient and beautiful church of St Mary the Virgin is next door to the famous historic house of Layer Marney Tower. The church was rebuilt by Henry, 1st Lord Marney and John 2nd Lord Marney at the beginning of the 16th century, and left unfinished on the death of the 2nd and last Lord Marney. Their wills made provision for the church to be finished. Restorations were carried out in 1870 and 1911.
The church, all in the Perpendicular style, is built of Tudor brick (reputed to have been made locally). It has a west tower. On the north wall of the nave is a mural of St Christopher, dating from c.1520, which was uncovered in 1870. Also in the church are the tombs of the 1st Lord Marney who died in 1523, and his son John, 2nd Lord Marney, who died in 1525. A further item of interest is a five hundred year old iron-bound chest, given to the church by Lord Henry Marney or willed to it by his son.
More images of the interior and exterior can be found at www.essexchurches.info/church.asp?p=Layer%20Marney
Both the Church and the Tower are well worth visiting. The church is usually open during the day. Information on visiting Layer Marney Tower can be found on its website at www.layermarneytower.co.uk
Page updated: 26 Jul 2025