It is located between the north-west corner of the market square, and Castlegate, on the B1257 road north of Helmsley Castle.

[5] There was much rebuilding in the 19th century,[2] between 1866 and 1869 funded by the Earl of Feversham by the architects Banks and Barry[6] and the contractors Barton and Smith of Helmsley, at a cost of £16,000[7] (equivalent to £1,870,000 in 2023).

In the 12th century the church was built in the Norman style and two arches, one over the entrance doorway, the other over the chancel, remain in place.

The church has a three-stage west tower, a four-bay nave, a two-bay chancel, transepts, vestry and south porch.

[4] Photographs reveal that the roof was altered in the restoration of 1866–69 and the church had a parapet with battlements on the southern side.

[2] The south chapel is dedicated to Columba, a missionary from Ireland who brought Christianity to much of northern England.

The chapel contains wall paintings of contemporary events, including depictions of Saint Oswald and a knight slaying a dragon emblazoned with the pagan gods.