The Cotswold village of Upper Swell lies to the W of Stow-on-the-Wold and the Foss Way, to the N of its larger neighbour, Lower Swell. The church, which is situated in the centre of the village, consists of a 13thc chancel and a 15th - early 16thc nave and S porch.

The Romanesque elements comprises the S doorway, the restored chancel arch and two windows on the N side of the chancel.

In 1086 Domesday Book records that the manor of 'Suvelle' was held by Evesham Abbey; a priest is also mentioned in the survey, which suggests that there was already a church in the village at that date.

The chevron decoration found on the S doorway is similar in style to the carving of the chancel arch, and this indicates that they are contemporaneous; the nature of the decoration suggests that it is late 12thc in date.