Upper Arley is a village near Kidderminster. Historically part of Staffordshire, it was transferred to Worcestershire in 1895. The church is built of red sandstone ashlar,and comprises a 14thc. nave with a N arcade heightenedc.1500, a chancel largely rebuilt in 1885 and a massive W tower, of which the upper stages at least probably date from the 18thc. The walls of nave and tower contain some 12thc. masonry, including two stones bearing Romanesque sculpture.

The manor of Upper Arley was given to the college of Wolverhampton c. 996; in 1086 the clerks held two hides there. Under William Rufus it was granted with the College's other possessions to Samson, Bishop of Worcester. Samson gave the college to the prior and convent of Worcester, whence it was taken by Bishop Roger of Salisbury but restored by Kind Stephen. The manor was held by Adam de Port in 1166-67, and then forfeited to the crown in 1172; from 1194 to 1198/9 it was held by William de Braose, and from 1199/1200 to 1225 by Thomas de Burgh. Adam de Port and his wife Sybil gave the advowson, which was annexed to the manor, to the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield. This gift was confirmed by Honorious III in 1221.