The church is a Grade 2* listed building and was founded in the 11th century as a daughter chapel to The Knights Hospitaller in Barrow on Trent. It was largely rebuilt in 1876, with only the 13th century tower and 16th century Harpur chapel remaining intact.

The gritstone font is 12th century and other signs of the Norman origins of the church can be seen in the chevron mouldings in the rebuilt walls.

The Harpur chapel contains two Chellaston alabaster tombs of the Harpur family, dated 1573 and 1627. Another earlier 15th century alabaster tomb for John Rolleston lies adjacent to the altar. The Lords of the Manor lived in Swarkestone Hall until the Harpur-Crewe family moved to Calke Abbey in the 17th Century. The Hall was demolished in the 18th century but remains can still be seen as field walls.

The Harpur Room extension was built in 2020/2021 and is a useful meeting room with kitchen and toilet facilities. It is used for lively coffee & chat after services and is also available for hire