St. Mary's Church, Hayes, Middlesex, England

Our ancestors Charles and Lydia Elliot raised their family in Hayes, Middlesex (now a part of London) and had their children baptized at St. Mary the Virgin's Church in that town.  St. Mary's is a historic church which is still active. Their website says that "the parish church of Hayes Middlesex has witnessed to the Christian Faith since at least 830 A.D", although elsewhere it says that the actual church dates from the 12th century.  There have been many updates to the Church since the time that Charles and Lydia lived and worshiped there, but there are plenty of older portions which remain as they were. Again from the website:

"A building of such ages has many artefacts including a 12th Century font and the two table tombs of Walter Grene (1456) and Sir Thomas Higate (1576). The medieval tiles in the Sanctuary are partly covered by the Elizabethan Tomb of Sir Edward Fenner (1611). A wooden Holy Table dated 1605 was given and now used as a nave altar. Most of the ledger stones refer to the patrons and Lords of the Manor. There are several significant brasses. One is to Robert Lellee, the Rector around 1370 and adjacent to it is another Rector Robert Burgeys (1408- 1421). The first recorded Rector was Peter de Lymonicen (1259) and latest Peter Homewood-a record of Christian ministry in Hayes...On the north wall is a large mural of Saint Christopher from the 14th century."

I think it's interesting to be able to see the same landscape and architecture that was part of our ancestor's weekly lives.  Not only did Charles and Lydia worship here during the period of their marriage, but this was the childhood church of Robert Elliot as well.  Here are some photographs:

St. Mary's Church with gravestones.  Charles and Lydia are buried here somewhere.

Brass of clergyman Robert Lellee, 1308, reputedly the oldest brass in Middlesex.

15th century wall painting of St. Christopher carrying the Christ child over a river. 

                           

Detail of snake and staff at base of painting. 

Detail of Christ Child in painting. 

Here is a map of Hayes Parish from British History Online: