St. Mary's Church and Churchyard, Little Ilford

Description and Plant List

The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Church Road, Little Ilford, was built as early as the 12th century. In 1724 the chancel was rebuilt, and at the same time a chapel was built on the north side for the Lethullier Family of Aldersbrook. This contains monuments to John Lethullier (d. 1737) and his wife Elizabeth (d. 1724), and to Smart Lethullier (d. 1760) (photo). Until 1938 St Mary's was the parish church of Little Ilford.

There is also a brass to Thomas Heron (d. 1517). The family of Heron held the Aldersbrook Estate for some time. Sir John Heron was keeper of the estate until his death in 1521; he also held lands in Wanstead and it is reputed that he brought herons to the area. The name is still remembered in association with Wanstead. A pane of glass in the old round window of the Church shows a heron. (photo)

TABLE 1. A list of Plants found in St Mary's Churchyard, Little Ilford

Plants recorded in 1991 by Paul Ferris and Richard Baker