Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Leyton

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin is a brick building with corner buttresses, a clock tower, and geometric windows without pointed arches. Its structure combines elements from different periods, as major rebuilding work reshaped the interior and exterior during the 19th century.

The oldest remaining parts date to 1658, but major rebuilding happened in 1822 when a generous donor funded comprehensive changes. This transformation gave the building most of its present appearance and became a landmark for the Leyton community.

The church holds memorials from the 17th and 18th centuries, including sculptures by John Flaxman honoring local families. These monuments reveal how Leyton's more prosperous residents marked their place in the community through the ages.

The building is accessible during worship services or by prior arrangement, as it remains an active parish church. It is best to check opening times in advance to ensure you can view the interior when you visit.

The building survived bomb damage in 1951 and a fire in 1995, both of which prompted extensive repairs. These restoration efforts resulted in the creation of a new chapel under the tower, which now forms part of its spiritual space.