Geology Site Account

St. Margarets Church, Woodham Mortimer

The parish church of St Margaret's is a fine example of the use of local septarian nodules for building construction, which are clearly visible in the external walls. The chocolate brown nodules, known as septaria, are from the London Clay and were no doubt collected from exposures of London Clay on the foreshore nearby. Mixed in with the septaria are blocks of recycled freestone and the walls are finished with limestone dressings.

The original church on the site may date from the 16th century, however, it was rebuilt in the 19th century leaving little evidence of the older church with only the south wall and east end remaining. The church is on the main A414 Maldon Road. The external walls of the church can be examined at any time.

St. Margarets Church, Woodham Mortimer, with its walls of London Clay septaria. Photo: G. Lucy