The name is believed to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon term, gebūres geard, meaning "peasant's yard or enclosure".

The Manor House of Rokes Hall was converted in 1364 into an nunnery of the Poor Clares, founded by Lionel, Duke of Clarence.

An Elizabethan manor house, Bruisyard Hall, was built on the site, incorporating some of the older buildings.

The hall has a stained glass window by the artist Sharon McMullin depicting the local flora and fauna, and nine low-relief plaster panels by the sculptor Anne Smith showing past and present local scenes.

[3] The central panel shows the Domesday Book entry for Bruisyard (Buresiart).