[2] According to Nikolaus Pevsner it is "one of the most thrilling village churches in Hampshire",[5] to John Betjeman it is "a striking, boldly massed church set above the village against a green down",[6] while Simon Jenkins states that of the Saxon foundations in the Meon valley, "few are as satisfying as East Meon".

[7] There is uncertainty as to when building work on the church commenced: one source gives a date between 1130 and 1140,[2] while the parish history gives 1080, and the instigator as probably Bishop Walkelin, who rebuilt Winchester Cathedral.

The tower is of c. 1150, although the lead-covered broach spire – which can be seen from the South Downs Way[1] – is later,[5] probably 1230,[1] and its decoration – scallops and zigzag – is similar to that found on Winchester Cathedral.

[1] Ewan Christian oversaw the restoration of the interior in 1869–70, which saw the removal of the 18th-century high pews and galleries,[1] and there was further rebuilding between 1906 and 1922 by Sir Ninian Comper,[3] including the perpendicular east window in the chancel, which is a copy of the original,[1] the altar and the screen that divides the chancel and Lady's Chapel.

[1] The pulpit, made in 1706, was brought from the Church of Holy Trinity, Minories, London in 1906;[3] in the same year new woodwork – quire seats, and screens in the arcade separating the chancel from the south chapel − was installed.