Shinfield is a village on the southern edge of Reading, from which it is separated by the M4 and Reading's outer ring road. This double barrier has protected Shinfield from Reading's spread to some extent, although it largely has the character of a large housing estate, and the most attractive and oldest parts are clustered around the church. This has a flint nave with a 19thc. S aisle, a square early 14thc. chancel, a S chapel (dated 1526), and a red brick W tower of 1664. There is a 12thc. N doorway, protected by a timber porch.

Shinfield was held by Sexi from Edward the Confessor, and in demesne by William I in 1086. According to VCH the manor may have been held by William FitzOsbern de Breteuil, Earl of Hereford, soon after the Conquest, but was forfeited by his son, Earl Roger, for revolt against the Crown in 1074. Evidence for this is found in the gift of the church by William FitzOsbern to his foundation of Lire in Normandy. In 1166 it was held by the St John family from William de Newburgh, Earl of Warwick. It was associated with the similarly held manor of Swallowfield until the 16thc.

The doorway must belong to the late 12thc.