The village of Swainswick lies 3 miles (4.8 km) NE of Bath close to the A46. Swainswick occupies an elevated position about half up the E side of the Lam Brook valley, its church being at an altitude of 75-80m above OD. Views are quite extensive up and down the valley but are blocked on the east by the ridge and on the west by Charlcombe Hill (rising to more than 230m). The church, adjacent manor house, manor farm with tithe barn, are grouped together at the bottom of the village, on what must have been a rare area of fairly level land. The church of St Mary dates from the 12thc, was altered in 14thc and 15thc and restored mid-late 19thc. The S door is mid-late 12thc; there is also a font, a piece of loose sculpture and a probable early mass dial.

DB has two entries for Swainswick; in one case the manor is held by Alfred, who also held it in 1066, whilst the second entry states that the manor, which was held by Alfred in 1066, is now held by the Bishop of Coutances with Nigel de Gournay as tenant.

The material in the base of the font appears to be Purbeck 'marble', which would place it in the later part of the 12thc, if indeed it is not later. The EH listing says 'possibly early 13thc; recut', but as there is doubt it is included on this resource for reference.

The loose sculptured mask could have been part of a lost feature such as a doorway, corbel table or capital.