[2] The original church was built in the 7th century; substantial parts of the south wall date from this time.

It was one of the churches in this area built soon after the introduction of Christianity by Saint Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

There is a high-level door, now blocked, in the south wall of the nave, leading to the thegn's gallery, where, until the 13th century when the square chancel was built, the lord of the manor had his own chapel.

The pulpit is heptagonal and made of walnut; it stands on a central column, and is supported by seven part-animal, part-human caryatids.

It shows him as a knight in armour; he carries a lance as well as a sword, which is thought to be unique, and there is original blue enamel in the shield.