Little Thurrock is now part of the Thurrock Unitary Authority, on the N bank of the Thames between Grays to the E and Tilbury to the W. The medieval church marks the site of the former village, but this has been completely absorbed by 20thc housing developments. St Mary's has a 12thc nave with a N porch, a chancel rebuilt in the 14thc with a N organ chamber added in 1909 and a 19thc S vestry. The church was restored by F. Franey in 1878-79, and he added the W tower in 1883-84. Construction is of flint and mixed rubble with limestone dressings. The S doorway is 12thc alng with parts of the chancel arch.

Little Thurrock was held by Ansketil from the Bishop of London as a manor of 2 hides and 2 acres in 1086. Before the Conquest it was held by Wulfwine. A further holding of 1½ hides and 42 acres was held by 11 free men before the Conquest and in 1086. This land was appropriated by Theodoric Pointel on the king's behalf.

According to Wright, the first manor, near the church, was held by a family surnamed de Gravesend in the time od Edward II or Edward III, and had passed to the Carews by 1372-93.

RCHME dates the building of the nave to c.1170-80.