In 1087 Ivo de Tailebois, first Baron of Kendal, is recorded as conveying a church on this site to St Mary's Abbey, York. However, with the exception of some stonework, the oldest parts of the present building are thirteenth-century; these are the lower part of the tower, six nave pillars and the west wall.

The church has had a series of additions which have made it one of the widest churches in England; it is 31 metres wide and 43 metres long. Whilst it is not striking externally, the inside is full of interest. There are several chapels dedicated to local families: The Parrs, the Stricklands, the Bellinghams and the Becket or Chambre Chapel for the family which held the post of chamberlain to the castle.

The west door leads into the fourteenth-century Flemish aisle built for Flemish weavers who had settled int he town. On the north wall, above the vestry door, hangs the helmet and sword said to have belonged to Royalist Robin "the Devil" Philipson, who rode into the church in pursuit of his Cromwellian enemy Colonel Biggs.

Over the main altar is a metal corona in memory of Bernard Gilpin (1517-83), a much revered native of the area who was known as the "Apostle of the North".

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