When one thinks of Basildon, it is not usually a historic image like this that comes to mind. However, Basildon did exist before becoming ... well ... the Basildon that we know today. And Holy Cross formed the parish church of the original parish of Basildon. This view from the SE shows the church off in its full glory. Here can be seen the unbuttressed W tower, the 14th century nave, and the chancel that was rebuilt in brick in 1597.