Wakerley was held by Eudo the Steward in 1086, and a priest associated
with his holding implies the presence of a church at that date. William,
persona (i.e. priest) of Wakerley witnessed the foundation charter of Fineshade
(founded before 1208), and R, capellanus of Wakerley, witnessed a charter
referring to Laxton (also before 1208). Richard Engayne was both founder of
Fineshade and the author of the charter. The first institution to be recorded
was in 1220 when the advowson was in the hands of the lord of Wakerley, where
it remained throughout the Middle Ages.
The church is now in the care of the Churches Conservation
Trust.