The dedication to St. Denis is undocumented according to Charles G. Henderson who observes that nearby land was called St Tenye in 1613.

(Other dedications to this saint in Cornwall are found at Trevena and North Tamerton.

)[2] The church dates from the Norman period.

The church was restored between 1889 and 1904; at which time the north transept was demolished and much old woodwork was removed.

[3] The church is in the Boscastle and Tintagel group of parishes which includes The original 3 bells have been augmented to a peal of 6.