The parish of Swainsthorpe lies about 5 miles south of the city of Norwich and sits just to the west of the A140 road which links the city with Ipswich. Swainsthorpe is a relatively small village with most properties sitting between the A140 and the Norwich to London rail line which here parallels the main road about a half mile west. There is a small frontage on the A140 with inn and garage marking the village for travelers passing. Swainsthorpe would have largely been an arable agricultural community at the time of this transcript and despite growth of commuter settlement farming still dominates the parish. Swainsthorpe sits on rising ground to the west of the River Tas, the parish extends down to the river and sits on relatively fertile ground.

St Peter's church sits just south of Swainsthorpe's main east/west running lane and is close to the rail line. The round tower of St peter immediately catches the eye and suggests an early church. Pevsner confirms this with a proposed 12th century date for the base of the tower although states the octagonal top in late 14th century. The latter date is consistent with much else in the church where Perpendicular styling predominates and the early church must have been rebuilt or renovated during that great church-building era. In the 19th century the Victorians also made their usual restoration and chancel and southern porch were largely replaced during that period. The church sits back from the road, separated by a large green and accessed by gravel path and a pair of wooden gates. The site is relatively free from photographic obstructions.