[3] The church is two miles east of Basildon in south Essex, separated from the River Thames by Canvey Island.

St Margaret is built in the Perpendicular style, consisting of a chancel and nave, south porch, and western tower.

The church is built from Kentish ragstone rubble, with flint and Roman brick, the dressings are in reigate stone, and the roofs covered in slate.

Surmounted by a timber superstructure, the low octagonal spire was added in the Tudor period and is clad in cedar wooden shingles.The west tower has three bells, which can be reached by climbing 25 steps.

[5][6] Along the north wall of the chancel lies the monumental brass effigy of Sir John Giffard, who died in 1348.