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The parish church of St Mary originated as part of the Benedictine priory founded by Richard de Clare in the 12th century.

The northern aisle of the convent church was added in the 13th century for the use of the town's residents, and, after the Dissolution of the nunnery in 1536, the nave was also incorporated as part of the parish church.

The original 12th century crossing remains, as does an original font.

Most of the structure derives from the 14th century, although the two porches and the notably fine rood screen date from the 15th century and were probably built for William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, who was Constable of the castle.

The church was partly rebuilt and extended around 1844 by the architect T. H. Wyatt, and further restored and extended in 1899-1900.