Its name can be linked to Anglo-Saxon roots, Pacca being the founder of a settlement on the hill surrounding Pakenham church.

Prior to the local government reorganisation of 1974 it was part of Thingoe Rural District.

The discovery of many Anglo-Saxon remains, notably that of a bone-toothed comb in the old school garden (near the church) in the 1950s, testify to the authenticity of the site.

Nether Hall was the original home of the de Pakenham family, and later seat of the Greene baronets.

Several members of the Spring family are buried in the parish church of St Mary which dates from ca.