The old church, described by Sir Stephen Glynne as 'only a nave and chancel with western tower and spire...', with the exception of the tower was demolished in 1861, and rebuilt by Salvin (who also worked at Sherburn-in-Elmet) in 1861-2 and 1891. Photographs were taken in 1946 of photographs that had been taken during the demolition (Ryder reproduces three of these (plates 33, 148, 149)). The tower still has a few original (very worn) corbels and there is a small Norman window reset in the N wall of the chancel.

Solloway has suggested that there might have been a pre-Conquest monastery here. There is no mention in the Domesday Survey of a church, but according to Solloway, Stapleton in 1846 suggested 'Cudford' (not in the DS either) might be Aberford. Kirk says that the advowson was held by Ralph Paynelof Ilbert de Lacy. In 1166, Aberford and Becca were held by Richard le Gramaire (Faull and Moorhouse).

There are similar towers at Bardsey and Ledsham (Ryder, 135). Ryder also links the 12thc. history of Bardsey with Kippax. The earlier church at Aberford, as seen in the old photographs, had herringbone walling and a tympanum at the south entrance, both features which could be compared to those surviving at Kippax. Kirk mentions simple plans traceable - here, Bardsey, Barwick-in-Elmet, Ledsham and Monk Fryston.