The site is monastic in origin and is first mentioned as a religious foundation in 625.[1] Oudoceus is recorded as having retired here and a subsequent church was constructed in the Middle Ages.[1] Nothing now remains of the earlier church.[1] The present building was designed by John Pollard Seddon and was built between 1859 and 1861. Further construction, including decoration of the interior, was undertaken in 1869.[1] The church remains an active parish church.[2]
The interior is "calmer"[3] but still elaborate, decorated with wall paintings by a German artist to the designs of Coates Carter, Seddon's architectural partner after John Prichard's death.[1]