Dorney is a small village in the extreme south of the county, approximately a mile north of the Thames, which forms the border with Berkshire. Eton College is nearby, as is the rowing centre at Eton Dorney. The church stands in the grounds of Dorney Court, a manor house dating from the 15thc. St James’s consists of a 12thc nave with a brick S porch dated 1661, a 12thc chancel with a blocked round-headed window in the S wall, a 17thc north chapel containing the Garrard monument, and a brick west tower of the early 16thc. Inside the church is 16thc seating and a 17thc west gallery. Apart from the brick features, construction is of random rubble. The only feature recorded here is the 12thc font.

Before the Conquest the manor was held by a man of Earl Morcar called Ealdred. In 1086 it was held by Ralph from Miles Crispin, and was assessed at 3 hides. The Domesday Survey also records meadow for 3 ploughs, a fishery rendering 500 eels, and woodland enough for 150 pigs. The overlordship was afterwards attached to the Honour of Wallingford, where it remained until at least 1540. The tenant, Ralph, was the son of Roland d’Anvers who came over with the Conqueror, and he also held land in Little Marlow called Danvers Manor, from his name. Both Dorney and Danvers Manor were held by one Roland Danvers in 1165 and still in 1186-87. He died in 1196 and custody of his lands and children were given to Jordan de Valognes and his son Robert. By 1201-02 the lands were in the hands of another Ralph Danvers, so presumably the Valognes were holding them during his minority.

A font similarly carved with motifs in a trellis is found at Green's Norton, Northants.