The manor of Peldon, comprising approximately 2,200 acres of land, was established by William the Conqueror in 1086, and granted to William the Deacon. Subsequently Henry VIII granted the manor to Sir Thomas Darcy, and thereafter it passed to various local families.

The two most significant events in Peldon's history to date are:

Early Tuesday 22nd April 1884, Colchester and the surrounding parishes were hit by the strongest earthquake ever to strike the UK. The earthquake measured 5.1 on the Richter scale and lasted for about 20 seconds, leaving over 1250 buildings badly damaged. (more details....)

In the early morning of September 24th 1916, German Zeppelin L33 was damaged during a bombing attack on London; pursued by a lone British plane the zeppelin crashed near Peldon and its crew were captured. (more details....)