Much of the church was rebuilt in 1879-80, by S. Hooper of Hatherleigh, although a late 14thc tower survives. The reset S doorway is the only 12thc carved feature.

At the time of DS the manor of Buckland was held by Ansger the Breton, from the Count of Mortain. Ansger also held the manors of East Putford, Bulkworthy and Smytham. Before the Conquest the land was held by Edmer Ator.

The carving on the doorway is very close in style and execution to doorways at Shebbear, West Woolfardisworthy and Parkham. There are also similar doorways at Morwenstowe and Kilkhampton (Cornwall). A fragment of label, of exactly the same type as described above is reset into the porch at Molland, suggesting that a similar doorway may once have existed there.