THE TOWER

Looking west from the central aisle the tower is separated from the church by a handsome oak screen placed there in 1934 in memory of Edgar Bratchell, who during his life took a leading part in most of the village activities.

A bench on the south wall incorporates a list of Priors and Chaplins from Cwemo in 1206 to the present day. When New College, Oxford was endowed with St Andrew's and its lands it appointed a Chaplin or Vicar Temporal to be, as the Book of Common Prayer would have expressed it, their 'Ordinary'. As a result of this the incumbent of Hornchurch enjoyed for centuries as

Peculiar' an exemption from the spiritual authorities ruling the rest of Essex and could refuse admission to the Bishop or his representatives. In 1683 Archdeacon Thomas Turner was refused entry when he demanded the keys for a visitation as it was not in his jurisdiction. After discussion he was allowed in as a favour but not as a right. Although New College still appoints the Chaplins at St.Andrew's it is now part of the Chelmsford Diocese and the Bishop no longer has to ask permission to enter the church.

THE RINGERS' ALE JARS

St Andrew’s has two fine Bell Ringers Ale Pitchers,' these were filled with ale for the refreshment of the ringers. Perhaps the inscription the A Flat bell was a gentle reminder not to over indulge

"Ye ringers all that prize your health and happiness Be sober, merry, wise and you'll the same possess.'

The smaller of these jars is dated 1731 and has the names of the ringers at that time inscribed under the glaze. The larger is dated 1815 and is also inscribed. This one is known to have been made by Mr C.Cove who had a pottery at the west end of the High Street. It is very likely that the smaller one came from the same works as a pottery is known to have stood on that site from the early part of the 17th century. These jars had a chequered history, turning up at Hornchurch Hall, the King's Head and Grey Towers. They were eventually returned to the church by the Holmes family when their home, Grey Towers, was sold up. It is amazing that they have survived and a happy conclusion that they have returned to their original home.

THE CLOCK

The bell on the clock hangs on the west face of the tower and was a gift from Thomas Brandon in 1674. In 1982 the heavy weights which provided the "driving force" for the pendulum and the striking hour bell, which entailed winding twice weekly, were replaced by smaller weights which rely on electric power for operation.

THE BELLS