The church is Grade 1 listed which has been recently re-ordered. The last major restoration of the church was in 1864.
St Mary’s (previously All Saints) is the most interesting, spiritual, historic, architectural, educational, artistic, archaeological and aesthetic resource in Huggate.

A church has been in situ since the 11th century, originally of wooden construction with a thatched roof and linked to St Mary’s Abbey in York. The existing stone building dates from the 12th century.
St Mary’s consists of a west tower and spire, a nave, south and north aisle, a south porch and a vestry on the south side (now the accessible toilet). The church is constructed of walls of fair faced stonework, slate roofs with internal timber ceilings and the newly laid York stone floor in the Nave.

The chancel dates from the thirteenth century. The Norman origins may be seen in the round chancel arch and small round- headed windows in the eastern gable above it.

The Nave and Aisles- both gables of the Nave show evidence of different roof structures, suggesting that the aisle arches and clerestory were later changes, The Nave aisles with their pointed arches suggest that they were 13th century modifications. Note the different sized pillars suggesting the aisles were built at different times.
The Windows- the aisle windows are glazed with Cathedral glass. The chancel window’s stained glass is a memorial to James Christie, by Mr Hodgson of York, showing parts of Christ’s story. The west window was given by Mr E Holtby, late of Haywold in memory of his wife Hetty, portraying Christ’s home life.
The Porch – was installed in the 19th century.
The Font – is the oldest fixture in the church dating from 15th century, but fixed to bases from different periods. Note the graffiti around the rim.
Carvings – there are two decorative carvings. A three headed one located at the end of the south aisle arcade and a two headed at the opposite end. These are thought to have been carved in the 13th century, but what they represent is not known.
The Imposing Tower and Spire - dates from 14th century and is unique for a High Wolds church. The church and village have been the subject of two of David Hockney’s paintings
The Churchyard has magnificent views over the Wolds. The listed village War Memorial erected through funds raised by the village is sited on the south side at the entrance to the church.