The church is situated on high ground overlooking the Colne estuary and Alresford Creek. The original building was Norman, with the chancel and nave being rebuilt in the 13th century. In the late 15th century the 94' tower was built (separately from the rest of the church: the nave was lengthened to meet the tower) and in the early 16th century the vestry, south chapel and porch and north aisle were added. The tower was restored in 1886 following damage during an earthquake in 1884.