The original 16th Century church was built on the site of a 12th Century Priory used as a resting place for Pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. This church was destroyed and replaced with the one pictured above - built in 1873 of red brick with a timber tower and one bell.
The church of St. Mary the Virgin in Church Road, Dunton closed to services around 1979.
The condition of the church had been causing concern for many years and in 1968 the Lay Commission on Churches advised it be pulled down.
Following an Order-in-Council of 25 July, 1978 the former Dunton parish was now united with Laindon and the church became a chapel of ease (a church building other than the main church) before finally becoming redundant on 1st August, 1980 (under an Order-in-Council of 28 July, 1980).
After closure the building was left to the mercy of the elements and vandals. The Church Commissioners recommended it become a private residence, and though the first planning application in June 1984 failed, the building was saved from possible demolition and is now a private residence.
One of the last resident Rector's, if not the last, was the Rev.I. James, when the church served the parish of Dunton and Bulphan.
St. Nicholas church in Laindon now serves the parish of Laindon with Dunton.
The cache has a log book but no pen so please bring one with you.
PLEASE REPLACE THE LOGBOOK IN THE ZIPLOCK BAG AS THIS KEEPS IT DRY !!
This cache meets the GAGB Urban Placement Guidelines.
If any body would like to expand to this series please do,could you please let sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.
Photo from essexchurches.com