In the 1820s Danby was described as a parish in the wapentake and liberty of Langbargh; 8 miles SE. of Guisborough. The church is an ancient edifice. Population 1373.

North of the Church, on the brow of a naked hill, of no great elevation, stands the remains of Danby Castle, supposed to have been built soon after the conquest, by Robert de Brus; or more probably by William de Latimer, soon after the reign of Edward II.