Built by the Normans
The original small Norman church was probably founded either by William de Lovetot or his father Richard, before 1171. Of this church, only part of the chancel and the lower part of the tower remain.
About 1225, a chapel dedicated to St Katherine of Alexandria was added and is said to have been built by Maud de Lovetot as a chantry so that masses might be said for the soul of her husband Gerald de Furnival and perhaps that of her son Thomas, both of whom died on crusades in the Holy Land.
A certain amount of rebuilding is likely to have taken place in around 1492, since we read in the fabric rolls of York "Hannesworth Church is ruinous, it is now, however being rebuilt"
Further building is evident in the south aisle, of the Victorian era. The piers are in sharp contrast with the Transitional Period ones of the north aisle.
Lightening Strikes Twice
In 1698, the Church spire was destroyed by lightning. A new steeple was built which was so small and squat it was nicknamed "the Handsworth stump". This was replaced in the 1820's by another new tower, which was also struck by lightning in January 1978.
In 2002 St Mary's underwent vital repairs to the spire, clock and bell tower.
