St Mary Magdalene's Chapel was built in 1449-1451, though it includes the remains of earlier 13th century hospital chapel which stood a little to the east. It was part of the hospital of St Mary Magdalene. The Hospital was founded in the mid-13th century and was dependent on Durham Cathedral. The chapel was rebuilt in 1370 but demolished in 1450 as it was in a ruinous condition. The present chapel is that replacement chapel which was built a little to the West of the earlier chapel. After the hospital was shut down in 1546 the chapel continued to be used as church, but became ruined by the end of the 17th century. The hospital was last documented as extant in 1534.
The graveyard was turned into a garden in 1822, when remains of the hospital or chapel were observed as foundations.
This is a Grade I listed building and a scheduled ancient monument protected by law.