File:Elmstead, St James the great church (25292410718).jpg

The church dates from the late 11th century onwards and was restored in 1877 by Ewan Christian. It is built with knapped flint and stone dressings with tiled roofs. There is a west tower, nave with north and south aisles, south porch and chancel with north and south chapels.

The tower is from the 13th century with an earlier base. In the 14th century a square timber framed belfry with a short spire was built to form the second stage of the tower. it is heavily buttressed. There are six bells. The nave is continuous with the south wall of the tower, and follows the outline of the original Norman nave. Originally there were no side aisles or chapels and the chancel would have been much shorter. The south aisle dates from the 14th century with earlier origins. It has a 15th century crown post roof. Both aisles are from an early date, possibly before 1200. They were probably added as part of the building programme by Saint Gregory's Priory. The arcades were rebuilt in the 14th century in the Perpendicular style with octagonal piers. The north Chapel was built soon after 1300 and the east window is contemporary with this date. The south Chapel, dedicated to St John the Baptist, is probably a similar date. In the 15th century several wills bequeathed money for repairs. The south Chapel is also known as the Honywood Chapel as there is a monument to Sir Thomas Honywood, died 1622. The style closely resembles the work of Nicholas Stone, although unsigned. There is also a monument to Sir William Honywood, died 1669. Sir William was master of the society of silk merchants and died in his 81st year. His second wife Lady Dorothy Honywood whose monument is nearby died within four months of her husband. There are other dedications to the Honywood's in floor ledgers and monuments.

The chancel is Early English and was lengthened in the 13th century replacing the Norman one. The chancel arch was rebuilt in the 14th century. The chancel contains a piscina.

The font bowl is from the 12th century made of Purbeck marble and supported on modern shafts.