Of red sandstone ashlar, the church was entirely rebuilt in 1885-86 with the exception of the 12thc. chancel and 14thc. tower on the S side of the nave. The ground stage of the tower serves as a S porch.

The manor of Areley Kings was from early times part of the manor of Martley and the rector of Martley still has the right to appoint the rector at Areley Kings. The church is probably first mentioned in the preface of the 'Brut' of Layamon, who wrote sometime between 1189 and 1207. He describes himself as a priest "at Erneleye, at a noble church upon Severn's bank". He wrote a history of England, partly legendary, partly factual, translating earlier writings from Latin and French. The discovery, during rebuilding, of the base of a Norman font under the nave floor with an inscription containing the name of Layamon, establishes the connection with the writer and shows that a church existed herec.1200. The manor of Areley originated in a fishery at 'Ernel' which, with the land belonging to it, was granted by the Empress Maud to Boredsley Abbey upon its foundation in 1136, and retained until the Dissolution.