There is evidence of occupation from the Mesolithic era with flint tools, including axe heads, being found from this period.

It is in the area of Wiltshire Council unitary authority, which is responsible for all significant local government functions.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have their control centre on the outskirts of the village, in the grounds of the manor house.

Pevsner describes it as "An Early English parish church of exceptional purity and indeed classicity" and linked this to the Bishops' ownership of the manor.

Blount's Court, which is now divided into flats, is a large 19th Century 'gothic' building with a porch carried up as a battlemented tower.

[5] Blount's Court is also the name given to the suburban public street, of about 100 houses, leading up to the private property surrounding the block of flats.

[23] The village is home to the Potterne Mummers, who re-enact performances of a traditional mummers play during the week before Christmas in pubs around the Devizes area and ending each year with a performance at the George and Dragon and Potterne social club on Christmas Eve.

The initial revival of the play only lasted one year; it was performed by Potterne teenagers under the direction of Bernard Baker.

The Potterne Mummers were presented to Prince Philip in 2012 at the Queen's Jubilee event at Salisbury Cathedral and were shortlisted for a Community Service award in 2014.