The earliest mention of the Parish of Windlesham was in the time of Edward the Confessor (1042-1066), but there is no mention of it in the Doomsday Book.
The early years
A church has stood on the present site for at least 800 years. The earliest known Church was built before 1189, but was extensively altered about 1270.
This building served as the Parish Church until it was destroyed by fire in 1676. Part of the walls, one or two windows in the South Aisle, and the Tower survived and remain as part of the present building, albeit with brick cladding.
The Victorian era
Extensive rebuilding and enlargement took place in 1838. A clock, manufactured in 1840, was added in the west side of the tower. The cost of this work was £1,379 2s 1d.
Most of this work, however, had to be demolished in 1874 because of bad workmanship, and the Church was rebuilt to its present design. The cost for this was £2,712 14s 2d.
Today
The building today remains largely unchanged from 1874. The west doorway was rebuilt in 1898, and in 1901 the old sanctuary and chancel were restored to their original use when they were made into a side chapel - the St. John’s Chapel. This chapel was restored and refurbished in 1955.
In 1928, tall pinnacles on the Tower became unsafe and were removed, leaving the battlement appearance we see today.
The Advowson (the right to appoint the Rector)
The ealiest mention of the Advowson is in the reign of Henry II (1154-1189). Nothing is known of the building at this time.
The advowson has been in the hands of the Crown since 1635.
The Dedication
In earlier times the dedication seems to have been to All Hallows or All Saints. It was probably rededicated to John the Baptist after the rebuilding following the fire of 1676.
