The village is situated on the A48 about four miles east of Cowbridge and near the Welsh capital city of Cardiff.

[6] In the 19th century, Richard Bassett, a prominent figure in Glamorgan resided at Bonvilston House and owned the manor.

[7] The 1811 A Topographical Dictionary of The Dominion of Wales by Nicholas Carlisle said of the village: "BONVILSTON, in the Cwmwd of Is Caeth, Cantref of Brenhinol (now called the Hundred of Dinas Powys), Co. of GLAMORGAN, South Wales: a discharged Curacy, valued in the King's Books at £6..9..2: Church dedicated to St. Mary.

According to the Diocesan Report, in 1809, the yearly value of this Benefice, arising from Tythes, Stipend, and Augmentation, was £32..11..3.

St Mary's parish church, rebuilt in 1860 in the Victorian era style retains a late mediaeval Sanctus bell.