The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book as "Octeselve" and has a 12th-century church dedicated to Saint Lawrence.

The indentions in the chancel window mullions are believed by many to be the marks made by local archers sharpening their arrowheads.

In the graveyard of St Lawrence's Church there is the grave of Myrtilla, with a headstone dated 1706 (1705, in accordance with the Old Style or Julian calendar).

[3] The inscription reads:Here lyeth the body of Myrtilla, negro slave to Mr. Thos Beauchamp of Nevis.

[4] The gravestone is a simple version of the local style, located on the south-east side of the church, and is Grade II* listed.