The name has evolved over the years, with recorded names including Wicheford (meaning a ford where wych-elms grow), Witford, Willesford Magna (mid-16th century) and Wishford Magna (early 17th century).

[4] Grovely Wood, between Great Wishford and Barford St Martin, was an extra-parochial area.

In 1833 this had an income of £63.5s and was teaching the forty children plus a varying number of "pay-scholars", for whom a small fee was payable.

These days, most villagers put more effort into claiming their rights than in exercising them: the handcarts used to transport wood from Grovely seem to have entirely disappeared.

[16] There are also a cricket pitch and a children's play area which are shared with the neighbouring village of South Newton.

The Wylye river runs to the east of Great Wishford, and is used for trout fishing.

Trains now pass through the village on the Wessex Main Line between Salisbury and Bristol without stopping.

National Cycle Route 24 and the Monarch's Way long-distance footpath pass close to the village.