When was the Church built? This is a common opening question yet the most difficult to answer with any accuracy. We could say 1100 to allow a little time before we reach its first appearance on record in 1172.
If so we are talking about the Norman times, during which a major change took place in the area of religion. We may reasonably assume that during this period a wood and plaster church with a thatched roof was erected on the present site, and over the following centuries various wealthy locals were able to effect enlargements.
A helpful guide book is available at the church priced at £1, or by post via the Church office. This endeavours to draw your attention to the layout and provide information to some of the contents and fixed monuments.
From a Norman church consisting of a nave and chancel, the church expanded over the next three hundred years by the addition of both North and South aisles to the nave and a tower and spire. This was probably financed principally by the De Badewe family, who owned most of the land in the parish. At first glance it could be taken that the family gave their name to the village of Great Baddow, but preceding that in the Doomsday book of 1106 it appears as Baduven, and one hundred years later it was known as Badewe with Magna added in 1238. One Richard de Badewe was born in the parish and achieved eminence by becoming Chancellor of the University of Cambridge (1326) and founded University Hall, which became Clare College.