St. Peter and St. Paul, Dagenham

The St. Peter and St. Paul was built in the early 13th century on a site given by Barking Abbey. The original building was constructed with Kentish rag stone, brought across the River Thames. The North Chapel is described as "new" in a will of 1475, and the two bays separating the chancel and north chapel have moulded form centred arches, typical of late 15th century architecture. During the reformation the church was plundered and spoiled, and most of its treasures confiscated. With the aid of the Fanshawe family, the building was later restored and strengthened. A stone buttress was added to the outside of the east wall, which can still be seen. By 1770 the church was in a dangerous…

The church continues to be active, meeting each Sunday at 10:30 am, as well as having a range of mid-week groups. The parish is within the Conservative Evangelical tradition of the Church of England. It has passed resolutions to reject the ordination of women, and receives alternative episcopal oversight from the Bishop of Maidstone (currently Rod Thomas).