Expanded in 1914 after the abolition of the parish of Drayton in Hales,[1] its name in Old English means 'South farm/settlement' on the River Tern.

In the north-west of the parish is Service Family Accommodation for nearby Clive Barracks.

[9] Along the western border of the parish runs the A41 that is built upon a Roman Road linking the fort of Mediolanum (Whitchurch) to Pennocrucium (Stretton, Staffordshire).

[10] Sutton upon Tern was mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book in a district called 'Wrockwardine' under the ownership of Roger of Courseulles who was recorded as tenant-in-chief.

"The castle built after the conquest by the Pantulfs"[17] is believed to date back to 1066 and later rebuilt in stone in the thirteenth-century.

[20] Tyrley Wharf, north of Woodseaves, served as a small dock above a flight of five locks.