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The church consists of nave, chancel, north and south aisles, the former extending alongside the chancel, west tower and south porch, with work from every century from the 13th to the 20th. The earliest remaining work is Norman, at the base of the tower, the nave arcade to the north aisle being 13th century in late Early English style, as is the tower arch. The tower is late 14th century Perpendicular. 15th century work includes the north aisle side windows and the clerestory.

The west window in the tower and the east window of the north aisle are 16th century, although the latter was reincorporated into the rebuilding of the aisle in 1720. The classical style north doorway may date from this period but could be late 17th century. In the 18th century the nave roof was rebuilt, although incorporating existing timbers. The east window is 19th century, in Perpendicular style, and the final major work was the construction of the south aisle and vestry in 1912.

Possibly the most interesting structural feature inside the church is the very unusual double arch between the chancel and north aisle. The outer arch is probably contemporary with the nave arcade, the other being earlier, indicating the presence of a chapel alongside the chancel. It is unclear as to why it was not demolished when the new arch was built.

All the timber fittings, including choir screen, lectern and pulpit, date from the 1912 restoration, as does the stone font. The font cover is a later, 1929, addition.

The tower houses a ring of 6 bells, the oldest dating from 1520. The ring of 6 was only achieved as recently as 2002 when 2 bells were purchased second hand.

Although the majority of churches have an Ordnance Survey bench mark, Gringley church has two, both of more than passing interest. The older, on the north west tower buttress was set up for the 1st Geodetic levelling of England and Wales between 1840 and 1860, forming part of one of the major routes, from London to Doncaster. This is a cut mark supplemented by a brass bolt marked to provide a very precise height. The second mark is a Flush Bracket bench mark; these were used to establish the principal survey lines during the 1920s.

The church is Listed Grade II*.

Created: Wed, 12 Nov 2014, Updated: Wed, 12 Nov 2014