There is said to be evidence to show that there has been a chapel or church on the site of St Mary's, West Acklam for over a thousand years. A medieval chapel of unknown age, was rebuilt circa 1874. A large extension to the north side of the 1874 church building was added, though still retaining the nave and chancel of the older church as the Bede Chapel, the foundation stone being laid on 4th July 1956. The completed church was consecrated on 19th October 1957