The church is late Saxon or early Norman. Despite its omission from the Domesday survey, the present building is often considered to be 11th-century; all sources agree that it was complete by 1125 at the latest. The design, described as "primitive" and simple, appears to belong solely to the very early Norman style rather than "wavering between Saxon and Norman" like some contemporary churches; but the dedication to St Botolph is generally associated with Saxon churches. Some stones and tiles used by the Romans for their nearby buildings were incorporated into the fabric of the building, especially in the chancel.