NHER 6631 (Monument record) - Ruins of St Helen's Church, East Beckham

Ruinous.
Formerly had a chancel, nave and south porch, square west tower. Two bells recorded in 1552. Called ruinous in 1602 but still in use the following year when it had thirty communicants.
In 1890, when it was described as 'ruinous for over 200 years', it was demolished, and stone removed to build the new West Beckham church.
In 1900 the foundations were still visible with three old tomb slabs.
Appropriate section from (S1) in file.
(S2) records one wall 10m long and 0.75m high.

Site totally overgrown by trees. One fragment of wall about 30cm (1 foot) high seen, and traces of other foundations visible. Fragments of medieval brick and tile lie around.
E. Rose (NAU), 17 March 1977.

April 2004.
The church site has been surrounded by a 2m high wire fence and the footpath provided to it in 1988, when local footpaths were diverted, has been blocked with barbed wire and the bridge over the stream destroyed.
E. Rose (NLA), 13 April 2004.