There has been a church here or close by since anglo saxon times, and even featured in the Domesday Book survey in the year 1086. The present church was built around the 1300s, but only a few parts of that church now remain. In 1536 when Henry the 5th announced dissolution it sparked an uprising known as the Pilgrim of Grace, many supporters went to Pontefract to establish themselves in the near bye castle. The then Archbishop of York was preaching in the church at Pontefract and asked for moderation.