Inventory Site Record

Until 1978 Noak Hill was part of the Romford parish of St Edward, and still remains a rural area set in farmland. The church was built in 1841 as St Thomas's Chapel of Ease at the behest of Lady Frances Neave of Dagnam Park, as a closer place of worship for herself and household. Her husband was Sir Thomas Neave, Governor of the Bank of England, whose family had owned land in the area since 1788. The churchyard has a curving path bordered by flowers leading from a small iron gate to the church door. An extension to the churchyard is behind the main churchyard.

Site location:

Church Road, Noak Hill

Postcode:

RM4 1LD

What 3 Words:

boost.issued.fails

Type of site:

Churchyard

Borough:

Havering

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

unrestricted

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Events:

Public transport:

Rail: Harold Wood then bus. Bus: 256, 294.

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Research updated:

01/07/2007

Last minor changes:

29/03/2026

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news.

Until 1978 St Thomas's Church, Noak Hill was part of the parish of St Edward's Church in Romford, and still remains a rural area set in farmland. The church was built n Noak Hill village in 1841 as St Thomas's Chapel of Ease at the behest of Lady Frances Neave of Dagnam Park Hall who was desirous of a nearer place of worship for herself and household. Her husband was Sir Thomas Neave, Governor of the Bank of England, whose family had owned land in the area since 1788. The small red-brick church, designed by George Smith, cost £1,883 to build and was consecrated by the Bishop of London on 29th October 1842. The church has some fine windows at the east end of Flemish, French and Belgian glass of older date than the building itself; it is not known how it came to be here although it may have been procured by Sir Thomas Neave. On the south wall is a hatchment which came from the fireplace at Dagnam Park Hall. which commemorates the death of Sir Arundell Neave in 1877, below which is a memorial to Lady Frances Neave (d.1860). The churchyard is looked after by members of the congregation and has a picturesque curving path bordered by flowers leading from a small iron entrance gate to the church door. Gravestones are set in grass, and there is an extension to the churchyard through a gap in shrubbery/trees behind the main churchyard.

Sources consulted:

Aileen Tyler 'Church of St Thomas Noak Hill', leaflet (n.d.); John Drury, 'Treasures of Havering', Ian Henry Publications, 1998

Grid ref:

TQ541940 (554110,194000)

Size in hectares:

0.45

Site ownership:

Church of England, Diocese of Chelmsford

Site management:

Church

Date(s):

1841

Designer(s):

Listed structures:

LBII: St Thomas's Church

On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No

Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No

Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

No

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

Yes

In Conservation Area:

No

Tree Preservation Order:

Not known

Nature Conservation Area:

Yes - Borough Importance II

Green Belt:

Yes

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

Yes - Havering Ridge Area of Special Character

Other LA designation:

Improved Footpath Access