East Tytherley is the smallest village in the Test Valley, however it has a church, St Peter's, whose traditional huge yew tree was planted more than 200 years ago. There is no village shop although one used to be located in the Star Inn, which is popular for its skittle alley. The parish (2,634 acres) stretches from the Roman Road (known as the Clarendon or Monarch's Way) in the North and to Lockerley in the south).

Its old English name suggests that it was a 'little place with water and pasturage', a description which still holds good.

After the Civil War, the Rolle family became lords of the manor and lived in the village until 1800. Each generation added something to the history of the place. In 1736 Miss Sarah Rolle founded a charitable school, and this charity still exists to this day.

Dennis Rolle planted the beautiful old trees in the churchyard of St Peter's. In spring and summer the little church is at it's best and is a most peaceful spot. Built in 1250, it remained unaltered until 1863 when a porch and bell-tower were added. The first resident incumbent was appointed in 1803. A shoemaker by trade, with his business in Broughton, he walked to church each Sunday through the woods, and the track still exists.

Of course, East Tytherley has had its share of eccentrics and historical oddities. Sir Robert Peel's uncle, General Jonathan Yates, became tenant of the manor house, and was much admired by the village in spite of rather dubious morals. Amongst his hobbies was cock-fighting, and in the grand salon of the manor, turf was laid instead of carpet for matches between his birds and those of other landowners. Though a great brandy drinker he lived to a ripe old age.

In 1849, a Mr Cooke bought half the estate, and while in Tytherley invented the electric telegraph. Telegraph Hill, and Telegraph House are reminders of those times.