Kirkley was briefly mentioned in the Domesday Book at which time it formed part of William the Conqueror's estates and was held by Roger Bigot.

[2][4] In 1847, from his base at Somerleyton Hall, entrepreneur Samuel Morton Peto brought the railway to Lowestoft.

Peto sponsored construction of St John's church on the corner of Belvedere Road for the inhabitants of the new town.

Kirkley was part of the Waveney Sunrise Scheme and has received regeneration finance from the EU.

[7] The local high school is East Point Academy which teaches students from ages 11–16.