[6] The location, history and remaining physical evidence of three deserted settlements within the parish have been systematically documented.

In 1516, George Boyvil enclosed 86 acres of arable land at Barford and it was reported that "almost the whole village" was destroyed.

In the 1524 Subsidy Returns, only ten people paid tax at St Peter's parish, compared to 28 in All Saints.

[9] In the early 18th century, it was recorded that the only buildings in St Peter's parish were the hall, the church and four or five shepherd's lodges.

[10] The two Rushton parishes were united in 1780 and a faculty was granted in 1799 for the demolition of St Peter's church.