The church is a Grade I listed building and dates from the 13th century.

The parish of Sedgefield was created by Cutheard of Lindisfarne during his time as Bishop of Lindisfarne (between 900 and 915).

[1][2] The church is dedicated to Edmund of Abingdon, a former Archbishop of Canterbury who died in 1240 (shortly before the church was built).

[2] On 9 January 1968, the church was designated a grade I listed building.

[2] Today, the Church of St Edmund is part of the Benefice of Upper Skerne in the Archdeaconry of Durham of the Diocese of Durham.