The village sits at the edge of Whittlewood Forest, a relatively large ancient woodland to the west that was part of the original estate of the Duke of Grafton.

Much of this is an SSSI, recognising its biodiversity and providing strong protection against built environment encroachment.

Nearby villages comprise Wicken, Deanshanger, Grafton Regis, Alderton and Yardley Gobion.

Its foundations date to at least 1087 when it (implying its rectory, its main church lands) was granted by Robert de Ferrers, 1st Earl of Derby to Bernard the Scribe.

John Hellins was a mathematician and astronomer who, as parish priest at Potterspury, founded and taught in the village school.