The village is situated 2 miles (3.2 km) south-east of the market town Leyburn, on a slight elevation above the River Ure, which forms the southern boundary of the parish.

[3] Spennithorne is approximately 4 miles (6 km) east from Yorkshire Dales National Park containing a range of wildlife habitats.

At the period of the Norman Conquest, Alan Rufus, to whom the Conqueror gave the whole of Richmondshire, distributed his lands among his retainers in feudal fashion, and in this division Spennithorne and Middleham were allotted to his brother, Ribal Fitzrandolph.

Harmby Beck flows into the River Ure near the village, here perhaps was Spennithorne Mill in existence in 1301, however there is no trace of its remains.

The 2011 census data recorded the total population at 198, an increase of 32 from previous 2001 figures, of which 95 were male and 103 female.

[9] Using information provided by the Vision of Britain website from 1881, it is possible to see the history of the social structure during the 19th century in Spennithorne and specifically the areas of occupation.

[10] St Michael and All Angels Church, a Grade I listed building is said to have been erected by Robert Fitzrandolph in AD 1166.

The Church was completely demolished to make way for its Norman successor with only two or three small fragments being discovered: two stones with Runic ornament which have been built into the east wall of the chancel; and a Saxon monument recently discovered under the floor of the chancel which has now been placed in the wall of the vestry.

The existing church tower dates back to around the 14th century when the aisles were also widened to their current width, along with the channel being rebuilt and extended eastwards to its present length with the vestry being added on the north side.

The work was carried out under plans prepared by Mr Fowler Jones of York who preserved all the old fabric which was capable of restoration, with all construction done in strict conformity with the style of the original building.

[12][13] Spennithorne Hall, the seat of C. D. Chaytor, Esq., J.P., dating back mainly to the early 18th century is best seen from the hillside to the east of Middleham.

Set within five acres of formal garden and woodland, it has fine views across the dales to Middleham Castle.