The Church of St Mary the Virgin was built in the 12th century and is all that remains of Tarrant Abbey, for which it may have been a lay church. The abbey was founded in the 13th century by Ralph de Kahaines as a Cistercian nunnery.

The chancel, dates from the 12th century, with the nave, tower and porch being built in the 14th century. In 1911 a major restoration of the church was undertaken.

Wall paintings cover most of the walls of the nave and chancel, dating from the 13th and 14th centuries