It is thought there has been a church on the site since the 9th century AD, as a location where the body of Saint Cuthbert rested before it was taken to Durham.

[10] In 1232 the advowson of Kirkleatham parish was at the centre of a dispute that saw local knight Sir Robert de Thweng style himself "Will Wither" and take arms against Italian ecclesiastics, which saw him raid their properties and redistribute their wealth to the poor.

He gave most of his fortune to found the Sir William Turner's Hospital in June 1676.

The mausoleum was built in 1739–40 by James Gibbs, and restored with added internal cladding in 1839.

It contains the inscription, "This mausoleum was erected 1740 to the memory of Marwood William Turner Esquire the best of sons.

"[12] Cholmley Turner also retained the architect James Gibbs for building of the chapel at the almshouses.

His achievement included remodelling Kirkleatham Hall, as well as providing for the further development of the hospital, school, and a library.

[2] In 1894 Kirkleatham became an urban district, but was annexed by Redcar in 1899, after just five years as an independent authority.

[16] The Free School, built by Cholmley Turner, is now known as Kirkleatham Old Hall and is a Grade II* listed building.

[17] The Sir James Knott Lifeboat Museum is also located on the grounds of Kirkleatham Old Hall.