Bradley was mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 as belonging to Henry de Ferrers,[2] having previously been in the possession of "Aelfric of Bradbourne" and "Leofwin".

[5] The soil is described as "chiefly gravel and clay", with the main crops grown being hay, wheat, barley, oats and turnips.

[6] Primarily constructed in the late 14th century, but incorporating some earlier work, it has an unusual layout with an aisleless nave and chancel, and no tower.

[6][7] In 1891 the church was described as "an edifice in the Decorated style of the early 14th century, consists of a small chancel and nave under a single roof, south porch and a wooden turret at the west end containing 3 bells, two of which date from 1722, the tenor being undated".

[6] The following lines are by Sir Aston Cockayne and begin a commendation of Bancroft's poem: From your retir'd abode in Bradley town, Welcome, my friend, abroad to fair renown.