Evidence of prehistoric activity on the high ground of Wilsford Down includes a round barrow,[2] next to the ancient Ridgeway track which marks the southern boundary of the modern parish.

[5] The ancient parish had two tithings: Wilsford and Manningford Bohune, a detached area some 2+1⁄2 miles (4 km) to the east.

[6] Today the lower parts are leased to farmers while the higher ground is within the Salisbury Plain Training Area.

[9] Domesday Book has no separate entry for Wilsford; in 1086 the estate was held by Ælfric of Melksham and mortgaged to Edward of Salisbury.

Edward gave it to his daughter Maud and her husband Humphrey de Bohun, and it remained in that family who were later Earls of Hereford.

[12] From the 17th century the estate passed through several hands, and by 1808 had been acquired by Francis Dugdale Astley and thus reunited with the main manor.

[19] The parish falls within the area of the Wiltshire Council unitary authority, which is responsible for most significant local government functions.

The parish church of St Nicholas is built in ashlar under slate roofs, and has a west tower with a stair-turret.

During restoration in 1864 the south porch was rebuilt and the nave re-roofed, resting on earlier corbels depicting alternating kings and bishops.

[25] North Newnton was added to the union in 1963,[26] and today the parish is part of the Cannings and Redhorn team ministry, alongside seven others.