The cost of the building was substantially met by a wealthy local surgeon named Robert Brett (1808–74).

[2] Choral services at St Matthias' were developed by the organist, William Henry Monk, musical editor of Hymns Ancient and Modern and composer of "Abide with me".

Charles James Le Geyt, the ritualist, high church, tone of the services sparked off strong protests.

[4] The building suffered from aerial bombing during the Second World War when all the interior surface decoration, stained glass and furniture was destroyed, as too the brick and stone vaulting of the chancel.

The saddleback crossing tower with its very long bell openings is the most striking feature of the building creating inside a tall chancel arch with half-arches at east end of the aisles.