The Domesday Survey only mentions one household but no church in its entry. The church, however, may be of pre-conquest origin as the name of the parish derives from 'a white rock on which part of the church is founded. It is a large white stone in the south side of the church; the part which is visible is of an oval form' (Parochial History). The manor, called Witestan in the Domesday Survey, was held by Alwold in Edward the Confessors reign, given to the Earl of Mortain by the Conqueror, and held under him by one Radulf. In 1291 the church was valued a £4.6s 8d., having never been appropriated.
