Parish of St Mary, Staines , Church of England

The parish of Staines, first specifically mentioned in 1179, was probably founded at least one hundred years earlier. Originally, it had jurisdiction over a large area including the dependent chapelries of Teddington, Ashford, Laleham and possibly Yeoveney, but by the thirteenth century Teddington had become virtually independent. However, although by the fifteenth century Laleham and Ashford had become regarded as separate parishes, with fixed boundaries and independent administrations, their benefices did not finally become detached from Staines until 1859. This explains the presence of items relating to Laleham among the records of St Mary, Staines. Before the Dissolution, the advowson lay with the Abbot and Convent of Westminster, and after that date, it was transferred to the Crown, whilst the right to tithes fell into lay hands. From 1725-1844 this right belonged to the Coussmaker family of Westwood, Surrey. The present church of St. Mary, Staines was built 1828-1829, but it incorporates the tower of the earlier church.