[5] The tower is partly Anglo-Saxon, with the main body of the church rebuilt during the Norman period with locally quarried stone.

[6][7] It is part of a four-parish benefice, including the churches of Oswaldkirk, Stonegrave, Gilling and Ampleforth.

[8] It is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Stengrif, with the land belonging to Ralph Pagenel.

His modern art and sculpture collection alongside that of his wife's furniture were displayed at the grade II listed Stonegrave House in the village.

[11][12] Stonegrave is also the burial place of Robert Thornton, who was a scribe and manuscript compiler.