The hill, a limestone outcrop, is a prominent landmark in the surrounding countryside and the church can be seen from many miles away. In the late Iron Age (roughly 600 BC to the Roman conquest) it was a defended settlement, traces remaining of the surrounding bank. The workings of a large quarry on the east side extend almost up to the churchyard.
    A Saxon Monastery was established on the top of the hill in the late 7th century. In the early 12th century this was replaced by an Augustinian priory to which a parochial nave was added a little later. The following century saw a new chancel added to the east of the tower and with the tower forms the present church. From the Saxon period there remains a remarkable series, probably of the late 8th century, of Saxon stone figure sculptures stone figure sculptures and sculptured friezes. There are many Shirley monuments of various dates and a large enclosed Shirley family pew dated 1627. This is the family name of the subsequently ennobled Earls Ferrers.
    The Boultbee grave slabs in the centre aisle have survived though they are not visible being at present under a fixed carpet. (Click here for Inscriptions).