The settlement is centered on a large village green, a fish and chip shop and an old pub, "The Horse and Jockey".

When the Domesday Book was compiled in 1086, the village was known as Wistanestune, which may have been derived from the Anglo-Saxon words for 'water' and 'town', meaning "wet place".

[2] At the time, the village had a fairly large stocking frame knitting industry, with the majority of the inhabitants being employed in it.

[3] Businesses in Wessington include a fish and chip shop and a public house (the Horse and Jockey).

[citation needed] The Parish Council is within the ward of Shirland which is within the district of North East Derbyshire.