The 12th-century building, described as a "showpiece"[2] and "the most attractive part" of the Wealden village,[3] retains many features of historical and architectural interest.

These include an exceptionally long hagioscope or squint from the south aisle into the chancel, a porch which may be Sussex's oldest,[3] and a well preserved and extensive scheme of wall paintings.

[5][6] It is uncertain whether any part of this earlier building was incorporated into the present church, which is believed to date from the first half of the 12th century;[5][7] but Ian Nairn suggested that the walls of the nave and chancel are "probably 11th-century",[4] and the Saxon-era building almost certainly occupied the same site.

[8] The dedication to St Mary was unknown until a will of 1541 was discovered, in which John Sayrle said his body was to be "buried in the churchyard of Our Lady of Chiltington".

[7] St Mary's Church is considered an architectural highlight in a village variously described as "pleasant",[4] "dull",[3] "attractive"[6] and "a showpiece".

[8] The pointed arches of the south arcade are supported by round piers with varying capitals.

These architectural features allowed worshippers in the aisle to see the bread and wine being consecrated during the Celebration of the Eucharist.

This is confirmed by a brass plate dated the same year, which shows that the restoration and installation of the new bell commemorated the late John Junius Morgan, formerly of Spod Shitterton Nyetimber.

In the splay of the north nave window is a 14th-century depiction of Christ standing on a wheel and surrounded by the tools of different trades.

The tools include tailor's shears, a butcher's cleaver, a carpenter's square and a weaver's shuttle.

[18] Sunday Services 8:00am 1662 Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion, 10:00am Sung Parish Mass.

is open from 10:30am in the Church Hall; offering Tea, Coffee and Cake for free a time to talk and be refreshed.