St Mary the Virgin, Layer Breton.
The Rt. Hon James Round had always intended to build a church in Layer Breton in memory of his wife, but the First World War compelled him to defer building, and during that time his own death occurred. His family decided to erect a church to the memory of Mr and Mrs James Round as soon as the war was over and conditions would allow. The then Bishop of Colchester also decided to invite the co-operation of Mr. Round's many friends in the county and diocese. It was not however until 1922 that the project took definite shape. Owing to the distance away from the main part of the parish, and the unsatisfactory state of the site of the old church, it was decided to build the new church at the upper end of the village. Mr. G.F. Beaumont of Coggeshall, the lord of the manor of Layer Breton, generously gave a site at the southern end of the Heath; a plan was prepared by Mr. Raymond Barker and approved, and the tender for building was secured by Messrs. Hutton & Son of Birch. The total cost including fencing and churchyard shed was about £2000, the greater part of which was given from the Round Memorial Fund, including £750 from members of the Round family. After various delays building commenced, and was completed by November, 1923.
The new "Round Memorial Church", dedicated to S. Mary-the-Virgin, was consecrated by the Bishop of Chelmsford on Friday, November 16th 1923, and as space was limited, there were two services; one in the afternoon for the relations and friends of the Rt. Hon James Round and regular worshippers of Layer Breton; and one in the evening open to all. The church, which is quite a landmark on this high point in the district, is built in Essex brick with tiled roof, and with its white wooden bell-turret and simple perpendicular style windows, is in several ways reminiscent of its predecessor, and is approximately the same size. It incorporates the bell from the old church; also the 14th century font from old Birch Church which had stood for seventy years in the garden of Birch rectory, and which now seems to be in a perfect setting in its new position. The interior is of a simple design with a raised sanctuary at the east end, and a curtained vestry and baptistery in the two corners at the west end. Across the roof are heavy beams and above this a panelled plastered ceiling.
Many beautiful gifts were made, including antique oak panelling all round the sanctuary and altar-rails of Jacobean workmanship, the gift of Mr. W.M. De Zoete; also antique chairs and credence table for the sanctuary. There is a simple tablet on the south wall recording the consecration and commemoration of the church.
As a memorial to Mrs De Zoete who died in 1924 a stained glass east window was presented in 1926 by Mr. De Zoete. The central light contains the figure of the Virgin and Child, and the lights on either side embody antique coats of arms in lovely 14th century glass - the whole work being designed by Messrs. Clayton and Bell. There is also an attractive little cross-shaped window over the font with stained glass representing the dove of the Holy Spirit.
Following the death in 1935 of Mr. W.M. De Zoete, a carved oak roundel in the Italian style, of the Virgin seated and playing with the Child, was offered by his family and underneath it is a tablet to the memory of this beloved churchwarden and generous benefactor.
More recent improvements have been electric lighting and electric heating. As at Birch the Coronation of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II was commemorated by the presentation of a Prayer Book for the prayer desk in rich binding and with suitable inscription.
Recently the interior has been decorated, and the parish now has a charming well appointed church, not only convenient in situation to serve Layer Breton, but also close to the developing southern side of Birch.
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