The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book as Rontun or Runtune, and as having 75 ploughlands and 100 acres (40 ha) of meadows.

The first part refers to a type of bridge made with poles, often built over marshy ground.

[4] The nearest railway station was just outside the village (West Rounton Gates), which opened in June 1852, and closed in September 1939.

[7][8] The church of St Oswald dates from the 12th century and was completely rebuilt in 1860 by architect James Pritchett.

[10][11] West Rounton had one pub, the Horseshoe Inn, but this closed down after trade suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.