The church is dedicated to St Modwen, or Modwenna, a nun who founded an abbey at Burton in the 7th century.

The current church building, which overlooks Burton's market square, was begun in 1719, first used for services in 1723, and finally completed by 1728.

It is built in red sandstone and comprises an aisled five-bay nave with galleries on the north, west, and south, an apse, and a western narthex with central tower, north and south gallery stairs, and internal porch.

William died in 1724 and Richard in 1726, and the church was completed by their younger brother Francis Smith of Warwick.

The west tower is of three stages and has a balustrade with urns and round windows with radial glazing bars.