Pannal was earlier known as Rossett,[2] recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Rosert (from the Old English hross hyrst, meaning "horse wood").

The parish of Pannal covered a large area, including Beckwith, Beckwithshaw, Brackenthwaite and Low Harrogate.

[8] As a result of the transfer of the village to the municipal borough of Harrogate in 1938, Pannal had no parish council to represent its interests.

On 24 May 1919, a parish meeting considered a suggestion to erect a village institute in memory of the boys who belonged to the neighbourhood and who had fallen in the 1914–18 war.

A figure of £600 was agreed upon and, on 11 November 1920, the "Pannal Memorial Hall" was opened by Major Cross[citation needed].

There was the Pannal Women's Dramatic Society, and during the Second World War films were shown for the troops stationed in the area.

There was the initial Baby Health Clinic, "Keep Fit" classes, children's "Play Groups" and many other community activities[citation needed].

The Scout Group, founded in 1948, had previously met in the Parochial Hall on Church Lane (now a private residence)[citation needed], moving into their new headquarters in 1969.

It is located on the Harrogate line 15 miles (24 km) north of Leeds station and is operated by Northern, who provide all passenger train services.

[20] In March 2013, a suggested plan was revealed for building houses and a business park on the Dunlopillo factory site.