A priory at St Helens was founded after the Norman Conquest by French Benedictine monks.

The previous Saxon church was rebuilt in Norman style to serve both the local parish and the new priory.

The original church of St. Helens was in a bad state as far back as the 16th century, according to the presentment of George Oglander, the centoner of St.

[4] Cromwell's Commissioners reported in 1656 that the "Church is washed by the sea to the foundations; fearing the fall thereof there have been endeavours to secure it with great charge".

[5] The present church is a stone structure with brick dressings, and consists of an aisleless nave, with transepts, a chancel, and west tower with one bell.