The S porch was added in the mid C15 and the W tower was built c.1500.
The chancel was rebuilt in 1597.
EXTERIOR The chancel of 1597 is brick, but was repaired in the C18 and again in the C19.
Above it is a stone plaque recording the rebuilding of the chancel in 1597.
The eastern part of the nave N wall was rebuilt in brick in the C18 with heavy, brick buttresses and has a reset C15 window of two foiled lights in a square frame.
The C14 N door is blocked.
The nave S wall has a 3-light C15 window similar to that on the N to the E of the porch, and a 2-light window to the W of the porch.
The S door is C14 and is covered by a fine
very restored, C15 timber porch.
the inner part of the porch is supported on a heavy, carved beam with curved braces.
The W door is C15 and has a hood mould.
The upper stages have early C16 windows with cusped lights in square frames.
The late C16 chancel roof is of two bays, with the central rafter having curved braces forming a 3-centred arch.
The tower arch is c.1500 and of two orders, with dying mouldings.
Fine late C17 or early C18 communion rails with twisted balusters.
Early C18 Royal Arms of Queen Anne.
C19 font and timber pulpit.
HISTORY Holy Cross was the parish church of the medieval village of Basildon, and remained the centre of what was largely an agricultural settlement through the first part of the C20.
SOURCES RCHME Essex IV Buildings of England: Essex REASONS FOR DESIGNATION: Holy Cross, Basildon is designated at Grade II* for the following principal reasons: * Medieval parish church of the village that developed into the modern new town of Basildon. * C14 nave core, with alterations of the late C15 and early C16, including the very fine C15 S porch, nave windows and the early C16 W tower. * Chancel rebuilt in 1597 and preserving a very fine roof of that date. * Later alterations and restorations of the C18 and C19. * Some good fittings, including early C18 communion rails.