Waterfall is not mentioned in the Domesday Survey. It was held by Earl Ranulph of Chester, and passed to his nephew, Richard Bacon, who founded the house of Augustinian canons at Rocester in Dovedale some time between 1141 and 1146. Land and a chapel of St Michael's, Rocester at Waterfall were part of the foundation gift from Richard to the first abbot, Thurstan, and the duties previously owed by the men of Waterfall to Ranulph and his nephew passed to the abbey. These possessions and privileges were confirmed in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, and at that time the Waterfall holdings comprised the chapel and four bovates of land. Rocester's possessions passed to the crown at the Dissolution.
Benefice of Calton, Cauldon, Grindon, Waterfall and Blore Ray with Okeover.