Important evidence of the local flora and fauna of the period and some signs of occupation by Neanderthal humans have been found there.

[6] In 1964, amateur geologist John Hesketh found the remains of a late form of steppe mammoth in a clay pit on Sandy Lane.

Other animal remains were also found at the Aveley site, including a 200,000 year-old jungle cat, a large lion, a brown bear, wolf, rhinoceros, moles, bats, and terrapins.

[13] The parish church of St Michael is a Grade I listed building dating from the 12th century.

[14][15] It contains a 14th-century memorial brass to Radulphus de Knevynton, which is echoed in the arms of the Thurrock unitary authority.

The Old Ship public house at 58 High Street is on the Campaign for Real Ale's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.

The nearest railway stations are: London Buses route 372 serves the village three times an hour between Hornchurch and Lakeside Shopping Centre.