The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Brunton in lands owned by Count Alan of Brittany.

The Count had granted the manor to the constable of Richmond Castle, Enisant Musard after 1086, with the previous lord at the time of the Norman conquest being a local man named Thor, who was listed as a sub-tenant.

Some of the lands at this time were held Robert Lacelles and Peter Greathead and their descendants until sold to Richard le Scrope of Bolton in 1371.

[7] The section of the A1 road that runs through the village was upgraded to a three-lane motorway as part of the A1 Leeming to Barton Improvement Scheme.

There is a diverse range of trees including Alder; Ash; Hawthorn; Hazel; Oak; Sycamore; Willow and Wych Elm.

Local surveys have also identified several varieties of flowers common to the area that include Bluebell; Celandine; Dogs Mercury; Ramsons; Red Campion; Snowdrop; Stitchwort; Meadow Cransebill; Violets and Wood Anemones.

The religious make-up was 81.9% Christian alongside a small minority of Buddhists and Hindus, with the rest stating no religion.

The religious make-up was 73.3% Christian, a small Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh minority with the rest stating no religion.

There used to be a third public house on Station Road named King William IV which is a Grade II listed building.

There is a recreation ground with a community sports hall on the south side of the village which is home to the cricket teams.