[1] It was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Preston" (Old English: preost tun, "priest farm/settlement") when its lord was Ansger of Montacute (Alfward before 1066).

In the 13th century, Alan de Plugenet was lord of the manor and added his surname to Preston.

Throughout the centuries the spelling and pronunciation of the name has changed and evolved until it became the present day "Preston Plucknett."

The tithe barn at Preston Plucknett was included in the fifth list of ancient monuments prepared by the Commissioner of Works in 1925.

The village is included in The Meaning of Liff defined as "a very large string bag made of thin strong cord into which feathers from freshly killed ducks and chickens were stuffed, from Preston in Lancashire".