[2] The lychgate and wall to the south are Hayes's entry in the Domesday Book (1086) makes no mention of a church or chapel, and the name of St Mary suggests a 12th-century dedication as it was at this time that church dedications in this name first appeared in England.

The manor house formerly associated with the church was assigned to Canterbury Cathedral by Christian priest Warherdus as far back as 830 AD.

The Coronation window is in the north aisle above the Triptych painted by the pre-Raphaelite Edward Arthur Fellowes Prynne.

[5][6] There is an ornate altar tomb of Sir Edward Fenner, a judge, and a monumental brass to Robert Lellee, who was rector in 1370, surrounded by some medieval floor tiles.

[8] As a young boy Steve Priest (1948-2020), member of the rock band Sweet, sang in the choir of the church.