The chancel arch was rebuilt probably early in C17. In the C19, the church was restored. At this time, the E wall was completely rebuilt, the nave lengthened and practically rebuilt and the W tower, S chapel and S porch added. There is said to have been a modern N transept, now destroyed. Features and fittings include: C17, possibly, E window; probably early C17 chancel arch (plate in RCHM); C17 chest in S chapel; C17 communion table early C17 glass in E window; C17 (c.1640) panelling in chancel, incorporating stalls in same design (plate in RCHM); C17 marble pavement in chancel; plate includes two cups, two flagons and a standing dish of 1634; royal arms of 1634 in S chapel.<1> Mostly of 1840, incl. red brick west tower, not Essex in style, and the long S transept. The panelling and chancel stalls date from c1634 according to Pevsner (based on date of royal arms). No classical features, ornament entirely Jacobean. Contemporary glass in E window. Plate - whole set of 1634 given by Captain Cribborne (his arms appear on the royal arms).<2> Although RCHM suggested the nave had been lengthened by two bays, Rodwell thinks this is doubtful. Certainly it was rebuilt c.1830-40, when the present W tower was built, replacing an earlier one. Transepts were added but the N transept was destroyed in the 1884 earthquake and not rebuilt. Good series of C19 monuments in the churchyard. Church is graded BIa by Rodwell. <3> According to DOE, all nave windows are C19, in C14 style.<4> According to DOE, all windows are C19.<5>

Site Assessment = The C17 panelling and chancel stalls are what makes the church worth visiting.<2> "In general, the church is in good condition and the C17 black and white marble pavement in the chancel is quite exceptionnal. The graveyard is one of great character and contains a good series of C19 monuments (some of which need urgent repair), of particular note is the series of C19 Gothic headstones E of the chancel. The churchyard is better than usual and it is essential that it be protected from depredations." No opportunity should be missed to study the church, whose antiquity and interest may not be fully appreciated.<3>

Digital photograph of All Saints' Church, Messing, taken July 2016.<4>