In the Domesday Book of 1086, estates at Berwick and Asserton were part of Winterbourne Stoke; by the 12th century the village had its present name.

[2] Berwick St James manor was held by the Chaworth family from the late 11th century, and was brought to the earls of Lancaster after Maud Chaworth (1282–1322) married Henry, a grandson of Henry III who became 3rd Earl of Lancaster.

[7] In medieval times, Asserton was a village or hamlet with its own church or chapel, on the east bank of the river, opposite Berwick.

[8] Between 1917 and 1919, downland in the east of the parish on both sides of the A360 was the site of Lake Down Aerodrome,[9] one of several Training Depot Stations created in the area to support the rapid expansion of the Royal Flying Corps.

The airfield's six hangars and other buildings were removed and the railway was dismantled,[2] but a water tower, engine shed and workshop survive.

The flint and limestone building, described by Orbach as an "endearing church of disparate parts",[11] was designated as Grade I listed in 1960.

[12] Its oldest feature is the Norman (12th-century) north doorway, flanked by columns, with shallow decoration to the lintel and chevron carving in the arch.

[18] The parish is in the area of Wiltshire Council unitary authority, which is responsible for all significant local government functions.