The Port Way, a Roman road towards Sorviodunum (Old Sarum), followed the Bourne valley and passed close to the present settlements.

[7] A small grass-runway aerodrome was opened in 1917 on farmland at Boscombe Down in the north of the parish for the Royal Flying Corps, and continued in use until 1920.

[8] Now called MoD Boscombe Down and extending into Amesbury and Allington parishes, its research and testing role continues.

[12][13] In 1857, the London and South Western Railway company opened its line from Andover to Milford station at Salisbury, following the Bourne valley through the parish.

[16] John Bowle (1725–1788), known for his scholarly annotated edition of Don Quixote, was vicar of Idmiston for some years until his death.