[2] The name, spelt Preston Gubbalds or Preston Gobald[3] in some historical sources, is derived from the Old English for "priest's settlement", along with the name of Godebold or Godbold, a priest who was subtenant of the manor in 1066 and at the time of the Domesday Book survey.

172] Preston Gobald coupled with Bosshall, was said to be held by [Sir] Thomas de Boshall, as mentioned in the Nomina Villlarum of 1316.

The village church is dedicated to St. Martin and contains a mediaeval chancel, that became the south aisle when additions including a tower, nave and chancel, were made in the 19th century.

It became redundant in 1973, the additions were demolished, and the building now belongs the Churches Conservation Trust.

[5] To the north of the village, as the A528 passes by Pim Hill, is Lea Hall, a notable Elizabethan brick house, and its dovecote.