"[4][5] The place name probably derives from the Anglo Saxon word 'Scelf', suggesting a broad and level shelf of land.

[8][9] On a secular level the village was administered by a 'Local Board' established in 1863, and then by the 'Shelf Urban District Council' from 1894 to 1937.

[13] Kathleen Hale, author of the series of children's books about Orlando the Marmalade Cat also lived at the vicarage from 1903 to 1905, and developed her interest in plants, flowers and drawing there.

[14] Edward Hartley, an early socialist politician retired to Shelf, and is buried at Bethel Chapel in the village.

[citation needed] Much-travelled footballer Frank Worthington was born in the village,[15] as was interior designer and TV presenter Linda Barker.