The Domesday Survey of 1085 refers to 30 acres of Glebe land at Stifford so it is presumed that a church existed here before that date but the first recorded rector is Ralph De Stifford in 1180.

      It is believed that St Mary's formed part of the pilgrims way for the Canterbury Pilgrims. Pilgrims traveled down Pilgrims Lane to St Clements Church in West Thurrock before crossing the Thames, on foot, at the ford which used to exist, at low tide, before the river was dredged in modern times.   

     The church tower is surmounted by a shingled broach spire on which is the newly restored clock. This was originally presented in 1761, the clock bell being cast in 1762. The little dormer roof also contains a bell for which there is no known reason.

The North Door.

     The main building and extensions took place from the 11th to 15th century and remained unaltered until the Rev. William Palin became rector 1n 1834. The fabric of the church was in such an appalling condition that he caused extensive repairs to be made. The North Porch was added. Few changes have been made subsequently, apart from the removal of pews from the South Aisle to provide a meeting room and modernisations such as heating and lighting.