The name Brailsford was recorded in the Domedsay Book of 1086 as Breilesfordham, in which the two specific elements are Old English ford and ham ("homestead").

[2] Brailsford was mentioned in the Domesday Book as being in the tenancy of Elfin[3] (possibly an Anglo-Norman rendering of the Saxon Aelfwine) who also held the nearby manors of Bupton, Osmaston and Thurvaston from the tenant-in-chief, Henry de Ferrers.

[5] From Pigot and Co's Commercial Directory for Derbyshire, 1835: "BRAILSFORD is rather a considerable village, in the parish of its name, and hundred of Appletree; situate on the main road between Derby and Ashbourne, equidistant from each place.

Coaches to different parts of the kingdom are continually passing through here, and the support of the village is chiefly derived from that circumstance—there being no manufactures, nor any extensive trade existing here.

It contains an octagonal font in the Perpendicular style, with the lower part of the base exhibiting the Tudor rose.

[9] Many locals take part in the famous Royal Shrovetide Football match played in Ashbourne on two afternoons during February.