The place name Quenington is first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as Qvenintone. A priest was recorded here. The land and the settlement had been given to the Lacey family by William the Conquerer.

The Knights Hospitallier maintained a preceptory here in the 12th century, which was almost completely demolished around 1600.

The Norman church of St Swithin was mainly built in the late 11th century. It has some extraordenary carvings.