Population at the time was 78, with occupations that included five farmers, and a carrier who operated between the village and Market Weighton once a week.

There has been a church in Harswell from the late 12th century and the building that was present in 1823 was described by Baines as "a small ancient structure".

It was rebuilt in 1870-1871 and parish records, dating back to 1653, are held by the Borthwick Institute in York.

[2][4] Harswell was served by Everingham railway station on the Selby to Driffield Line between 1853 and 1954.

[5] The station house is now a Grade II listed building.