The nave, chancel and western tower were probably built c. 1238, and a north aisle was added, presumably after 1294, when a chantry service was founded in St. Mary's by Richard Dammas.

The church was designed by Thomas Telford and built by John Rhodes and Michael Head between 1792 and 1795.

The tower stands 120 ft high, and it has a clock, eight bells and a copper-covered roof.

The parish's war memorial is a wooden triptych with a crucifix in the centre, above the Latin mottos "AMOR VINCIT" (Love conquers) and the town motto, "FIDELITAS URBIS SALUS REGIS" (In the town's loyalty lies the safety of the King) and listing its war dead from both World Wars.

[2] The church has a magnificent Father Willis organ, purchased from Clifton College, Bristol.