author of Amazing Grace, lived in Aveley, which was the home of his father's second wife. Alex Pritchard, professional footballer for Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and Sunderland lived and went to school in Aveley Governance Aveley forms part of the Thurrock constituency, and is covered by the Aveley and Uplands ward. Their local Member of Parliament (MP) is Jackie Doyle-Price, who was first elected in the 2010 general election, retaining her seat in the 2015, 2017 and 2019 elections. She was appointed Minister of State for Industry during Liz Truss's short-lived premiership before returning to the back benches following the appointment of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister. The Aveley and Uplands ward elects three councillors to Thurrock Council. As of May 2022, two were of those elected were members of The Conservative Party and one was a member of The Labour Party. Historic buildings St Michael's Church The parish church of St Michael is a Grade I listed building dating from the 12th century. It contains a 14th-century memorial brass to Radulphus de Knevynton, which is echoed in the arms of the Thurrock unitary authority. The church was declared unsafe in the 19th century, with the recommendation that it should be pulled down. However, this was averted by its parishioners, who raised £1,000 to save it. Other listed buildings Grade II* Brett's Farmhouse Sir Henry Gurnett public house Grade II 79, High Street Crown and Anchor public house Park Corner House 54 and 56 High Street Courts Farm, Park Lane. The core is half of a 13th century timber framed Manor house. Court's Farmhouse barn - demolished within last 15 yrs to make way for a modern housing estate. Brett's Farmhouse barn Aveley Hall The Old Ship public house at 58 High Street is on the Campaign for Real Ale's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. Demographics According to Thurrock Council, the ward of Aveley and Uplands had a population of 8,381 people in 2001. In 2019 it had an estimated population of 9,461. Sport Aveley is the home of non-League football club Aveley, which plays at Parkside. It was also home of now defunct Thurrock, who played at Ship Lane. Belhus golf course is located in Aveley near the site of the former Belhus Mansion. Much of the remaining land from Belhus forms the Belhus Woods Country Park. Transport The nearest railway stations are: Chafford Hundred railway station Ockendon railway