St John is within the Anglo-Catholic tradition of the Church of England and has the Mass at the centre of parish life.

[1] The foundation stone for the church was laid on July 22, 1905, by Samuel Forde Ridley, MP.

The church was designed by architect, Charles Henry Bourne Quennell (whose wife painted the pictures on the pulpit), built by Albert Monk and Paul Woodroffe installed the stained glass windows.

The east end of the nave and chancel, Lady Chapel, vestry and Sunday School room has been restored to their former glory, whilst the west end has been converted to provide new facilities for the Hanlon Centre.

In July 2012 as well as the rededication of the church and the opening of St Matthew's School Annex, HRH Prince Andrew came to formally open the new Hanlon Centre and St Matthew's School.