The parish of Banham lies in southern Norfolk about 3 miles south of the market town of Attleborough. Banham is a substantial village which sits about 2 miles west of the B1077 road linking Attleborough with Diss. Whilst Banham sits in lanes these lanes have been widened considerably for modern traffic serving what is undoubtedly a large village. Most of Banham sits on or around its High Street, a north south road connecting two broad east/west running lanes forming an elongated "I" shape. The High Street has many examples of timber framed buildings from as far back as the 15th century. Banham sits on a broad agricultural plain sitting between 40 & 50 metres above sea level and is surrounded by arable fields, often large and very open; to the northeast land falls into Banham Moor from where a small stream heads westwards to join the Thet. Banham today is proud to retain most of its facilities with numerous shops, inns and other services still supporting a thriving population.

St Mary's church sits a little to the west of the main street, tucked away on Church Hill. Having the standard design of nave, chancel and western tower Pevsner believes the church was built from the west heading eastwards, the tower being the earliest portion. Both tower and long chancel are in the Decorated style of the 14th century as are the five-bay arcades needed for the population all to fit. The nave was probably later and of the 15th century albeit the roof carries a date of 1622. Much was changed during a significant restoration of the mid 1860s when most of the windows were refreshed, keeping the original styles, and the chancel was re-roofed The main entrance to the churchyard is from the east, St Mary's is off-centre within the churchyard being flush with its northern edge but views are reasonable from the southern side.