The Church of St. Denys has probably  been in existence for over one thousand years. The font is Norman in origin and there are relics of the original Saxon Church within the inner walls.  The current form of the church dates from the 12th Century, with the main door dating from the 13th century. The
distinctive white wooden bell tower was built in the 15th
century.

Most churches went through renovation periods during the last two
centuries when stained glass windows were
installed.  Money ran out
for the complete renovation of the church and the
windows remain plain.  This allows the leaves of one of the Spanish Chestnuts to give a beautiful, living
backdrop to the altar.

The beautiful painted
frescoes along the nave are from the 13th century.  Sadly many of the frescoes were
destroyed or plastered over, but the painted vine scrolls
remain on the arches of the nave, this pattern having
been used since the time of the Ancient Greeks.

Robert Gathorne-Hardy, the novelist and poet, lived in the Mill House nearby.  An
engraved window to his memory is to the right of the door as you leave.  He loved Stanford Dingley and researched the
history of the church, some of which is
reproduced here.  He planted many
cyclamen in the garden and some can be seen in the autumn around the Spanish Chestnut directly in front of the porch.