Built in the 18th century, the church was bombed during World War II, although the tower remains an important local landmark.

[4] The present remains date to 1756, when the church was rebuilt by Joel Johnson, who had trained as a carpenter.

It was made into a public park in 1951, but still contains chest tombs to the Staple children, c. 1730, and to John Robinson, c. 1750.

St John's Church features in Season 4, Episode 23 of Friends, "The One with Ross's Wedding".

The exterior of St John's Church is visible in the scene, although it is unlikely that the subsequent wedding was filmed onsite.