It is recorded as "Stoke" as early as 948 AD when King Eadred granted land there to a thegn called Aelfric.

The first mention of Bishopstoke comes in 948 AD as Stoke, when land there was given by King Eadred (grandson of Alfred the Great) to Aelfric, a thegn.

[11] Local groups have been set up to fight council plans for a new housing development, that they argue, would destroy the inter-woodland countryside and significantly damage the ancient woodland around Stoke Park, including Upper Barn, Crowdhill copses, Bishopstoke and Fair Oak Local Green Space.

[12] Popular sites include the Eastleigh Falls, a semi-natural rapidly flowing chalk stream that supports a variety of locally rare plant and animal species.

There are ongoing efforts by local activists to classify the area as a Site of Special Scientific Interest to ensure its protection from the proposed development projects.

Eastleigh's museum in the High Street, which is open from Tuesday to Saturday, holds several files containing information about Bishopstoke's historic past and associated personalities, such as John Bale, Samuel Sewall, and Dean Garnier.

Bishopstoke still retains many buildings dating from the 18th century, although the village is expanding and now has a number of newer built residential and commercial premises.

Eastleigh Borough Council has been purchasing farmland in order to protect against climate change and increase diversity.