The church of St. Basil the Great is a largely under-appreciated building. It is a fine yet understated example of mid-century modernist architecture and is believed to have been a core part of the story of the New Town’s development. Opened in 1956, it might even be the most significant structure built for the New Town during the first phase of its development. In February 2026, we were fortunate enough to be enabled a visit to the church thanks to the Parish of Our Lady & All Saints, and it still retains its original character both externally and internally and has survived in great condition.
Most of Britain’s post-war New Towns began not as town centres as we often first imagine, but as residential districts of houses with amenities such as shops, pubs, schools and churches being gradually added. The town centre did not develop until towards the turn of the 1960s. In Basildon itself, early development created the residential districts of Fryerns, Ghyllgrove, and Barstable. The first church built to serve the New Town was Fryerns Baptist Church in 1954, although this was a relatively small building like many of the initial developments and hence Basildon would soon need a larger place of worship. It is believed that Basildon town centre was originally planned to be located further east than was eventually decided; near Pitsea or in the bordering Barstable area of Basildon. Because of this, the New Town’s main church; which was to be St. Basil the Great, was decided to be built in this area at the eastern end of Luncies Road. Work commenced in 1955, with the church being opened in October 1956. When Basildon town centre was eventually developed much further west, St. Martin’s Church was constructed to serve it, opening in November 1962.
St. Basil the Great was designed by John Newton of Burles & Newton of Southend, who whilst being on the pulse with post-war church architecture, appear to have been more responsive than innovative. As such, St. Basil the Great has a modernist appearance, yet is traditional in its linear layout, in contrast to the ‘T’-shaped churches built to serve Harlow New Town. It likely has not received a listed status due to this lack of national significance in the design itself, but it is certainly one of Basildon’s most locally-significant buildings and still a fine example of post-war modernist architecture. It exemplifies British architecture of the 1950s, with an airy interior complete with robust wooden panelling and prominent if even creative use of glazing. The exterior is expressive in the jaunty style popular following the Festival of Britain in 1953, making interesting use of patterns, shapes, and motifs in the concrete and brickwork, although perhaps slightly rigid with its vertical lines in keeping with its more conservative persuasions.
Nave & Chancel
Eastern Porch & Chapel
Western Entrance & Side Chapel
Externals
The Winged Horse Public House
Just opposite and west from St. Basil the Great lies The Winged Horse public house, at the corner of Luncies Road and Sandon Road. It was built by the Basildon Development Corporation responsible for the New Town in 1958, designed to serve the housing estates either side of Luncies Road.
Sources:
Basildon History (http://www.basildon.com)
National Churches Trust (https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/our-lady-all-saints-basildon)
Taking Stock (https://taking-stock.org.uk/building/basildon-st-basil-the-great/)
With thanks to the Catholic Parish of Our Lady & All Saints who enabled our visit (https://basildoncatholics.org/history/)