The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Rontun or Runtune, and as having 75 ploughlands and 100 acres (40 ha) of meadows.[2] The name Rounton derives from the Old Englishhrung, and tūn (rung-town). The first part refers to a type of bridge made with poles, often built over marshy ground.[3] Historically, the village was in the wapentake of Allertonshire, today being in the Hambleton District.[4]
The nearest railway station was just outside the village (West Rounton Gates), which opened in June 1852, and closed in September 1939.[5][6] The modern civil parish consists largely of agricultural land covering over 1,500 acres (610 ha), with the River Wiske flowing westwards across the parish.[7][8]
The church of St Oswald dates from the 12th century and was completely rebuilt in 1860 by architect James Pritchett. It is a grade II* listed building.[9] Historically the church was dedicated to St James, a listing from 1835 shows it as St James in the parish of Rouncton [sic], West.[10][11]
West Rounton had one pub, the Horseshoe Inn, but this closed down after trade suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.[12] It is also home to Whitegates Nursery & Stamfrey Farm Organics which is known for its clotted cream products.[13][14]
^Ekwall, Eilert (1960). The concise Oxford dictionary of English place-names (4 ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 394, 482. ISBN0-19-869103-3.
^Liber Ecclesiasticus. An authentic statement of the revenues of the Established Church compiled from the report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the Revenues and Patronage of the established Church in England and Wales. London: Hamilton, Adams & Co. 1835. p. 167. OCLC1064949647.
^Gleeson, Janet (24 November 2023). "Villagers plead for more time to save historic pub". Darlington & Stockton Times. No. 2023–47. p. 7. ISSN2516-5348.
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