The name Barling, spelt in a variety of ways since the 10th century, when it was known as Baerlingum, is generally accepted to mean Baerla’s people. The village and surrounding area has been inhabited for many thousands of years) but we can say with certainty that Christianity was established in the village over 1000 years ago.In the year 998, during the reign of Ethelred II (The unready), Barling was left in the will of  Leofwine, a Saxon Thegn to his lord, Wulfstan, Bishop of London. 

The manor subsequently became the property of the Canons of St. Paul's.  Edward the Confessor later confirmed his gift of the parish to St. Paul's and the Domesday Book of 1086 states that 'St Paul's has always held Barling as 1 manor'. In mediaeval times, Barling was one of the manors which formed the 'Communa'; revenue and produce being sent to London to support all the members of the Cathedral.

In 1846, the parish was transferred to the Diocese of Rochester, then to St Albans in 1877. Barling is now in the Diocese of Chelmsford. The Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's, however, are still our patrons.  In 1933, Barling and Little Wakering became a united benefice. The united benefice came to an end on 1 Febuary 2008 when they became one parish.

The Church

Whether this was the original site or not for the first holy place in Barling is not known: many records were lost in the Fire of London and so our knowledge of the earliest church is scant. The first church in the village was probably made of wood but the present building, thought to date from the 12th century has seen many additions and alterations over the last 900 years. The inhabitants of Barling from every century have left their mark on their place of worship. 

The Interior

Stepping into the church, the major renovation work of the Victorians in 1863-64 can be plainly seen) initially by their installation of the pine pews. A grant of £30 was given at this time, by the incorporated Society (for building Churches), providing 142 seats reserved for the use of the poor. (Some of these pews have since been removed; from the north aisle and also from the central part of the church).

The full version of the churches history with illustrations can be purchased at the rear of the church for £1.00