The Domesday Book records that there was a Church here and in the south wall of the nave, to the east of the door, are fragments of the herringbone masonry from this Saxon Church.
Above the Tower arch the outline of the earlier steep pitched roof is visible, before the clerestory windows were added in the 15th century. Even higher in the nave roof are carved angels, flowers and fruit all from the 15th century and of particular note in the centre of the roof towards the west end the carved face in the centre instead of flowers.
The 15th century Font has carved shields on its eight sides - particularly of note are the emblems of the Passion on the east shield and the tiny chalice at the base in a shallow niche.
Four of the clerestory windows contain fragments of medieval stained glass and there are more in the head of the three-light early 13th century lancet window near the pulpit.
Here an early 14th century statue niche is carved into the reveal of the window and below the window the mutilated remains of an aumbry. At the east end of the nave is a beautiful small late 14th century statue niche.
The statues, no doubt of Our Lady and Saint Mary Magdalene would have been removed and destroyed at the Reformation as was the rood loft in 1565.
When Archdeacon Bonney made his Visitation on 11th September 1848 the angels in the roofs were covered with whitewash which he said was to be removed.
There are three bells in the tower two cast in the 16th century and the tenor in 1619 all rehung on steel beams for chiming in 1987.
The north aisle dates from the 12th century but was largely rebuilt in the 15th century and also retains its carved roof and stone corbels, carved as heads, from that date.
Here also is the single manual organ by W. H. Prosser of London installed in 1876 and rebuilt in its present position after a major overhaul in 1992.
Behind the organ, on the north wall is an old brass in memory of Elizabeth Lack who died in 1661. This brass was found beneath the old timber vestry floor when it was removed, following outbreaks of dry rot in 1958.
The Altar in the north aisle is the original old oak altar, brought back to its correct use in 1994, after having been used as a vestry table since 1962.
This Altar stands on an old sepulchral stone which once had brasses upon it, the matrices of which are still visible and is said to seal the entrance to the underground passage which led to the old Manor House situated to the north-east of the church.
The 14th century Chancel was demolished in 1863 and the present chancel was built as a memorial to the Reverend Nicholas Todd. The east window was filled with stained glass by Wailes of Newcastle in his memory.
In the north window of the Chancel is a stained glass window in memory of Lt. General Sir Richard Goddard Hare-Clarges who died in 1857 and is buried in a vault in the churchyard.
In 1873 the chancel floor was raised a step above the nave and repaved. In the Chancel floor is an old tomb stone to Master John Woodruffe who died 1685 and another old stone dated 1652. The Vestry screen was provided in 1873 and the old fireplace in the vestry abolished.
In 1805 Sir Thomas Clarges gave a silver Chalice, Paten and Plate, and a pewter Flagon was given by the Reverend Edward Saul in 1668. The Church Registers date from 1674 but have been taken to the Lincoln archives.
Above the South door in the porch is a 13th century doorway with dog-toothed carving around the top and the scratch dial or priest's mass clock close by the door indicating that this is older than the porch.
The porch was built in the 14th century. On the south wall of the early 14th century tower is the outline of a square headed doorway which was blocked in 1854. There is a stone memorial tablet with cherubs carved in the corners in memory of Sufanna Greenham who died in 1773 in her 19th year. Also on this wall but at lower level is another larger sundial or scratch dial.
On the north aisle and on the south elevation are cast iron rainwater heads dated 1874 and on the higher clerestory rainwater heads note the date of 1774.
In 1934 steeplejacks working on the top of the spire caused extensive damage and the rebuilding was subsequently carried out by Bowman & Sons of Stamford under the direction of the architect Wilfrid Bond.
Then in June 1947 the spire was struck by lightning destroying about 20 feet and causing damage to the nave and porch roofs by falling masonry and the heavy stone finial stone fell onto the bell frame. These repairs were again carried out by Bowmans with Lawrence Bond as architect.
There are various interesting verses on the 19th century slate headstones and the table tomb near the porch has been listed by the Department of the Environment as being of special interest.
The Church underwent a great deal of rebuilding in the 15th century and restorations in 1774, 1873 and 1969, since the last major restoration central heating has been installed, the church completely rewired with new light fittings, the bells rehung for chiming, the organ completely overhauled and rebuilt and general repairs to the fabric as and when required.
Due to the age of the church there is always something starting to deteriorate, such as stonework or the lead roof coverings, which will need attention in the years to come.
The Church Council appreciates the help that the "Friends
of Saint Mary Magdalene Church Bitchfield" are giving to ensure the work
of conservation and preservation may continue.