A church has existed in Buckland Brewer since Norman times (probably about 1100). The south (main) doorway is the only relic of the first Norman church and is an excellent specimen of Norman work. The holy waters stoup on the south side of the porch is 14th century.

The living formerly belonged to Torre Abbey. It was seized by Henry VIII in 1539 and since then has remained in the gift of the reigning sovereign. The first recorded vicar was in 1279.

The church is built of local sandstone and the site is 530 feet above sea level, which may account for the chequered history of the various churches which have stood on the site. Succeeding churches have been: a) destroyed by fire in 1390, b) struck by lightning and almost destroyed in 1769, c) struck by severe storms in 1877; after this catastrophe the present structure was completed in 1880.

The tower is 76 feet high and there is a peal of six bells recast in 1825 by William and John Taylor (sons of John Taylor of Oxford) in Buckland Brewer and again in 1899 by J. Taylor of Loughborough, grandson of the original John Taylor of Oxford.

The font was hued by Thomas Jewell in 1771 for the sum of £1. 7. 0. The pulpit contains 8 oak panels from a previous three-decker pulpit.

The doorway leading to the vestry is late Gothic. Beyond is the Church Room which also has a separate entrance and is traditionally stated to have been a chapel of St Stephen. It housed a Church school until the Board School was built in 1875. It may also have been the residence of monks when they visited the village.