The church dates from the 11th century and is Grade I listed.

The oldest stonework dates from between the 12th and 14th centuries and restoration was undertaken in 1849.

Patronage of the church was held by the Roos family of Ingmanthorpe until the Reformation when it passed to other families until 1794 when it was purchased by James Geldart, who the following year became Bishop of Ripon.

In 1971 the parishes of Spofforth, Kirk Deighton, Follifoot and Little Ribston were merged to form the Parish of Spofforth and Kirk Deighton in the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds.

[3] The church has a west tower with corner pinnacles and gargoyles and has an octagonal spire 100 feet (30.5 metres) tall.