Norton has its origins in the late 12th or early 13thc but it was rebuilt in the 15thc It was restored in 1854, through the patronage of Joseph Neeld of Grittleton House. The font is the only 12thc sculpture at the church.

Malmesbury abbey had a chapel at Norton in 1151. In 1222 the abbey was licensed to appropriate it on condition that a vicarage was ordained, but it is not clear that this ever occurred. The vicarage of 1283 referred to in the VCH is almost certainly the vicarage of Norton in Durham diocese. It is thus possible that there remained an individual rector at Malmesbury's Norton with a portion of low and untaxable value.

This type of font is found at seven sites spread throughout the county and apparently at a broad range of dates. In its earlier guise this type had simple scallops but by the end of the 12thc trumpet scallops were preferred.