Parish of St Martin, Ruislip , Church of England

The parish of Ruislip was situated in the north-west of Middlesex, bordered by Hertfordshire, Northolt, Ickenham and Harefield. Parish officers included constables, overseers of the poor and churchwardens. The overseers managed the parish house from 1670 and ran a scheme for schooling of pauper children. By the late 18th century the Vestry was responsible for most local administration. Meetings were held around 5 times a year. Poor relief organised by the Vestry included provision of clothing, apprenticing of poor children, management of almshouses and a workhouse, handling removal and bastardy cases, and supply of outdoor relief.

The first recorded mention of a parish church is in 1190. The church of St Martin served the whole parish until 1854 when the parish of Holy Trinity was formed from parts of Ruislip, Rickmansworth and Watford. Further parishes were formed later: Emmanuel parish in 1909; St Lawrence parish, Eastcote, in 1931; St Paul parish, Ruislip Manor in 1936 and St Mary parish in 1952.

The church, along with Ruislip manor, belonged to the Abbey of Bec from the late 11th century. The advowson passed to the Crown in 1404, and in 1421 the patronage of Ruislip church was granted to St George's Chapel, Windsor, who still held the addvowson in 1962. A vicar is recorded from the 14th century. The church building dates to the 13th century, with various later additions and restorations.

From: 'Ruislip: Churches', A History of the County of Middlesex: Volume 4: Harmondsworth, Hayes, Norwood with Southall, Hillingdon with Uxbridge, Ickenham, Northolt, Perivale, Ruislip, Edgware, Harrow with Pinner (1971), pp. 127-144. Available online.