The village appeared in the Domesday Book and remained a small farming community until the 19th century, which saw development of industry: initially bricks and later hosiery.

Much of the surrounding area is composed of small agricultural communities with few amenities, leading Fleckney to be defined by the local council as a rural centre, benefiting from two general practitioner surgeries, a public library, two public houses, primary school, several food shops and a post office.

After the Second World War, successive developments of new housing were constructed radiating north and south from the historic village centre towards the parish boundaries.

The Grand Union Canal traverses the eastern edge of the parish from north to south via the Kibworth Locks and the Saddington tunnel.

The 18.9 acres (7.6 ha) were bought by the Woodland Trust and villagers of Fleckney and those surrounded planted its trees.

To the east is the slightly larger village of Kibworth and adjoining Smeeton Westerby; to the south and separated by a narrow tract of agricultural land is the hilltop village of Saddington; while to the north and east are the parishes of Newton Harcourt, Kilby, Wistow and Arnesby.