The town was founded when Vikings, led by Orme, settled in the area. It is believed that Orme was, or later became, a Christian as he built a church, giving the town its name: Orme's Kirk.
The Parish Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Ormskirk is situated on the site of the original Kirk and is the oldest building in the town. It is one of only three churches in England to have a tower and a spire, and is unique in that it has both at the same end of the building.