The two settlements are divided by the Alledge Brook, a tributary of the River Nene; the derivation of the name is "ford frequented by cranes or herons".

Cranford St John SSSI is a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest which exposes rocks dating to the Jurassic period.

The limestone and ore was taken from the quarries and mines by tramway to two sidings on the railway for transport to iron works elsewhere.

Later, parts of the mine collapsed leaving some depressions called sink holes in the ground above.

To the east of the village iron ore quarrying took place north of the railway between 1899 and 1909 and south of the old main road from 1900 to 1969.

The engine house was situated to the west of the village of Cranford St John close to the railway.

The engine house chimney was demolished during the building of the A14 road (which was built on a large section of the old railway line by Cranford) in May 1989.