The settlement was mentioned as Habenai in the Domesday book of 1086.

The village is too small to have its own amenities other than a village hall, which contains a war memorial commemorating two parishioners, Wilfred Eyre and Reginald Eydes, who died in the First World War.

[3] The closest church, pub and shops are in Eyam.

There is just one listed building in the parish,[4] Whitegate House, which is listed at Grade II, the lowest grade.

[5] William Newton, poet, was born near Abney at Cockey Farm.