The Pentons comprise Penton Mewsey and Penton Grafton, the boundary between wandering among the houses for reasons that are lost in the mists of time. 'Tenitons' (the farm at a penny rent) is of Saxon origin but settlement here dates from at least Roman times and probably earlier. The Meysey family were related to the Earls of Gloucester, lords of the manor here from shortly after the Conquest. Grafton derives from the Abbey of Grestain in Normandy, to which the Conqueror granted the parish revenues. Holy Trinity church is mentioned in the Domesday Book; today's building - restored by the Victorians - dates from the mid fourteenth century.
Grafton parish includes the village of Weyhill, site of one of England's largest and most famous sheep fairs, and the opening scene in Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge.