There has been a church in Cawthorne from at least 1086 as it is mentioned in the Domesday survey. It is uncertain whether Cawthorne's or Silkstone's church was the mother church for the Wapentake of Staincross. The inclusion in the Domesday Book of a church at Cawthorne and the omission of Silkstone may indicate Cawthorne was primary. However, the Cawthorne's church was later subservient to Silkstone. (Hey 1979,33). The current building dates to the 13th century and doesn’t retain any pre 13th century architectural features but there are possible pre conquest sculptures (Ryder 1982,105). This gives fragmentary legibility of the former church.