St Mary's is a grade I listed building which stands in the centre of the old village, there has been a church on this site for more than a thousand years.

With its prominent tower it is a landmark building set in an idyllic churchyard and dominating the approach to Southend.

Recent essential works have included recovering the south aisle roof with sheet lead and the nave and chancel roofs with Westmoreland slate with stone ridge cappings. Some areas of damaged stonework have been replaced.

Improvements to access for the disabled and to toilet facilities have been undertaken and repair works to the Kentish Rag rubble walls are amongst work planned for the future.