[1][3][4][5] Originally known as Percy Mills (1851 Census), the village of Warkworth was incorporated in 1857, and became part of Trent Hills when the latter was formed in 2001.

The village has Percy Centennial Public School, a community nursing home, medical centre and a seniors' residence.

The town rink is also a primary centre of social interaction[citation needed], historically serving hockey, (capturing 11 Provincial titles, most recently in 1993–1994) and ringette players as well as curlers.

A medium-security federal penitentiary, the Warkworth Institution, is located 8 km east of the village, in Brighton township.

The penitentiary employs approximately 320 people from the surrounding areas, along with providing yearly grants to both Brighton and Northumberland county.