The origins of the church are not known and there are no indicators of early dateable material within the fabric of the present building. The base of the font – which may date from the 13th century – is the earliest identifiable feature. in 1225. Bishop Brewer granted the church and advowson of Chudleigh to the Precentor of Exeter. Under the influence of the Precentors the building comprised a nave and chancel. It was replaced by an impressive cruciform building which was dedicated to St Martin and St Mary by Bishop Bronscombe, the Lord Bishop of Exeter, on 6th November 1259.

The impressive rood screen dates from the 15th century and has been much restored. There are 10 apostles and 10 prophets interspersed with each other. The prophets stand on desert ground and hold scrolls, while the haloed apostles start on grass and hold books. They read from the apostles' creed or from scripture.