Church of 1410

The earliest church, or rather chapel of Romford, was in what is still known as the Oldchurch area and was first mentioned in 1177.  Built near the River Rom then called Mercke-dych, it became too ruinous to use towards the end of the 14th century and a new church was built.

The church of 1410 was built on the site of the present church. It was consecrated by the Bishop of St Davids, March 23rd 1410, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St Edward the Confessor, it consisted of a chancel, nave and North Aisle, and was larger than the old Church by 28ft in length and 14ft in width. It had a brick tower with five bells, (8 by 1800), and later there was a gallery at the west end, for the charity children.

On the South wall of the Chancel was placed the monument to Sir George Hervey, transferred on rebuilding to its present position in the porch.  The monument to Anne Carew, his sister, is near by.
On the North wall was the memorial to Sit Anthony Cooke, now scheduled as of national importance.  It formerly stood over the vault at the East end of the North aisle, where the Lady Chapel then was.
The Chapel of St Edward the Confessor, long used as the Parish Church at Romford, had fallen into such a state of decay by the early 19th Century, as to be unfit for the celebration of Divine Service.
In due time it was decided to pull down the old Church, extend its foundations and build a larger church with spire.

On Sunday 22nd April 1849, the last services were held. 
Three sermons were preached by:
1.         Reverend James Charles Blomfield, “The Vicissitudes of the Church”
2.         Reverend Samuel Arnott, “The Perpetuity of the Church”
3.         Archdeacon Grant, “Things Old and New”