Denton parish lies in south-eastern Norfolk, one of a string of parishes along the north bank of the River Waveney which forms the border with Suffolk. It is, in fact, closer to the Suffolk Market Town of Bungay than to any settlement of comparable size in Norfolk and Bungay would have undoubtedly formed the local area focus for hiring fairs and markets. The residents and family names probably contain a thorough mixture of names associated with both counties. The village itself, a string of houses along a northward trending street, is on higher ground away from the wet meadows of the Waveney valley.

St Mary's church is to the south-east of the village refleting its origins as an "Estate" church associated with the local hall. What remains of the early fabric of the church is indicative of a traditional Norfolk Perpendicular era. However there have been a number of changes occassioned by accident (the falling of the original tower and nave roof) and design (a major 1868 restoration) which result in today's structure.