St John the Baptist has a chancel that was built in the late 13th or early 14th century, although its fenestration mostly dates from the 19th century. The north transept and the north porch date from the first half of the 13th century. The nave was rebuilt in the late 14th century, the west wall of the west tower bearing the roofline of the earlier nave. The base of the central tower dates from c1200 and has chamfered pointed arches and trumpet scallop capitals. However, earlier than this are four fragments of Romanesque carving in the west and north walls of the nave.

The DB only records that the Church of St Mary of Cranborne held Tisbury. The existence of a church is implied in an 8th century document and by early 12th century, the church was richly endowed.