The church tower dates from the 14th century, but much of the rest is 16th century, including the nave, north aisle and north chapel of 1525–1529; the south aisle and chapel 1534–1535; the south porch of 1539 and the chancel 1545.

[2] Peals lasting around three hours are rung on the bells most months by members of the Suffolk Guild of Ringers.

The church is most famous as being the burial place of the composer Benjamin Britten and his partner, the tenor Peter Pears; also buried in the churchyard are the pioneering doctor Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the soprano Joan Cross and the composer and conductor Imogen Holst.

Britten is also commemorated in a stained glass window by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens.

The church has a two manual pipe organ by J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd dating from 1884.