Church Of St Mary

The Church of St Mary is one of the six larger parish churches in the former West Riding, built primarily from magnesian limestone. The lower stage of the tower dates back to the early 13th century, while the north-east chapel is likely from the early 14th century. The rest of the church was probably rebuilt shortly after, culminating in the west tower, which can be dated to between 1373 and 1399. The tower was still incomplete in 1429, which may indicate the date for the crenellated parapet.

The lower stage of the tower features simple clasping buttresses and an elaborate Early English west doorway, both decorated with nailhead detailing. The north-east chapel showcases Decorated tracery. The nave and aisles are designed in the early Perpendicular style, with steep two-centred arches throughout and arcade upper mouldings that originally extended upwards to foliated crockets. The nave's east window is positioned above a low chancel arch, following the Gloucester/Cirencester/Northleach model. There are two clerestory windows per bay, reflecting the East Anglian model. The tower parapet has unusual crenellations linked by arches, similar to those found in Blyth, Nottinghamshire.

Inside, there is a monument of significant art-historical importance dedicated to Thomas Fitzwilliam (died 1478) and his wife, which was removed from the Friary at the time of the Dissolution. This monument, likely created around 1530 and in the early English Renaissance style, is made of alabaster and features a tomb-chest with two reclining figures and simple iron railings. Additionally, there are several wall tablets, including two notable Baroque examples, and a painted 18th-century Royal arms. The north-east chapel has a fine traceried wooden screen in the Perpendicular style, although it has some unusual detailing that may date to the 17th century. There is also a traceried wooden pulpit, possibly from the 17th century, and stained glass from the 14th or 15th century in a window of the south aisle, which is said to have been brought from Roche Abbey. The church also features a Perpendicular panelled stone pulpit.