North Ockendon is the only village in Greater London that lies outside the M25, and the most remote from the city centre. Within this fragmented rural village, tucked away in Church Lane, is the historic parish church of St Mary Magdalene.

The flint-faced church dates from before 1075 with the original Norman building retaining additional elements from 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Sitting on a pilgrim's route towards the Thames, the churchyard includes St Cedd's well where pilgrims were said to have been baptised. 

Among the monuments in the church is a gallery of the Poyntz family, the former Lords of the Manor from 1310, including an alabaster tomb chest with effigies of Sir Gabriel Poyntz and his wife. The Poyntz family were connected to William Tyndale who translated the bible into English. William Coys, the botanist from Stubbers, is also buried here.