Kirk Bramwith is described in the Doomsday Book. After the Norman Conquest the estates became part of the de Lacy family whose estates, in turn, became part of the Duchy of Lancaster. The Duke is still the present day patron. Although likely to be on the site of an earlier church the present church, St Mary's, was started in 1120. Despite renovation over the centuries it remains an original Norman church.

The tower was constructed in the late 13th/early 14th century. Its single bell was made in York in 1350 and is believed to be the oldest bell in the Diocese of Sheffield. A tower clock was installed to mark the second millennium.

The main doorway is Norman and its stonework is a fine example of its type. The original font is believed to be Saxon and a later Victorian replacement now stands outside the main door.

The church has several fine stained glass windows. One of these is dedicated to George III and Queen Anne and was installed in gratitude for the victories in North Africa during the 1939-45 world war.

Banners of the United States of America, the Free French and Commonwealth countries hang in the chancel.


The internationally famous craftsman Robert Thompson of Kilburn, North Yorkshire, made most of the furniture, including the pulpit, the lectern, hymn boards, the main door and all pews. His trademark was a mouse and visitors are invited to search for all twenty-seven.