St. Andrew's Old Cleeve stands at the heart of the village about a mile and a half from the sea. The present building dates largely from the 13th century, but there have been many additions and alterations over the years. Much re building took place in 1425AD, the western tower was added in c.1533 and alterations were made to the chancel as late as the 19th century. Records show that there has been some form of church on the site since Domesday, and certainly long before the establishment of Cleeve Abbey in nearby Washford by the Cistercian order in 1198 A.D.

Early in the 12th century the church was given to the monastery of Bec in Normandy and it was then rented out to the Abbey of "Cleve" for forty marks a year. The monks served the church for a number of years but when they were no longer allowed to serve as parish priests they appointed the first incumbent William de Exton in 1315AD to serve as curate for an annual stipend and some small tithes. As "Rectors" however, the Abbey continued to receive the bulk of the income from the parish until the dissolution in 1537AD.

The dissolution dealt a severe blow to the local economy, for the monks had offered employment to many local people as well as providing a school, hospital and alms for the poor and needy.

During the civil war the church was again in the firing line. Prince Charles (later to be Charles II) was twice besieged by Parliamentary forces in nearby Dunster Castle and many believe that the Puritan army marching by took the opportunity to smash the wayside cross on the Monk's Path, and that in the churchyard at St. Andrew's together with the statues that once filled the two niches on the church walls.
Many records survive from the 18th and 19th centuries which give an insight into the life of the church and village. Those who wish to find out more may wish to read two excellent booklets which are available to visitors to the church or by post from the Churchwardens.