A church probably existed on the present site before the Norman Conquest, although it was not until the 12th century that there is formal documented record. It was largely built of local stone and a number of significant changes have taken place over the centuries. A ring of 8 bells was cast in 1784, with a further two added in 1899. The tower itself was taken down and re-built during the nineteenth century. A clock was installed as a memorial to those who died in the First World War, which is now driven electrically. The bells were re-hung by the Whitechapel foundry in 1984 with the frame unaltered, which is still basically the original 1784 installation. The Cranston library - the first public library established in England, was founded in 1701 by the Rev. Andrew Cranston and housed in a small chamber above the Vicar’s vestry. Early donors included John Evelyn, John Flamstead and Granville Sharp. The library contains some 2,400 volumes and is open for research by arrangement.