Sutton
This parish has one of the smallest populations in the District,
although at the time of the Domesday Book it had a very flourishing
village with its own market and fair. It extends between the River
Roach and the adjoining Borough of Southend-on-Sea, and includes
the Hamlet of Shopland.
Bordered by busy industrial estates on its western and southern
borders, Sutton retains rural beauty, with large expanses of fine
quality farmland.
The church is of Norman origin and boasts a medieval coffin lid
and brass of 1371 from the demolished ancient church at Shopland.
The brass depicts Sir Thomas Stapel, Sergeant at Arms to Edward
III, in armour such as he would have worn at the Battle of
Crecy.