The village is well known for its history of quarrying and Blue Lias stone which is found locally in the region, as well as the birth of Henry Irving, the first actor to be knighted.

[5] Keinton Mandeville once had a butcher, baker, blacksmith, ironmonger, wheelwright, carpenter, carrier, draper, hats and haberdashery, grocer, garage, two banks, post office, two chapels, a policeman, railway, social club and 18 different stone quarries.

Keinton Mandeville is in the Somerton electoral ward, which elects 2 councillors every 4 years to Somerset Council.

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene dates from the 13th century and has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building.

It is a Grade II listed building and has a bronze plaque which reads Here was born Henry Irving, Knight, Actor, 6th February 1838.