The distinctive name 'Stenigot' is first attested in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as Stangehou. This is thought to be a variant of the Old EnglishStāninga-hōh, meaning 'the spur of a hill' (hōh) of 'the people at a stone' (Stāninga).[2]
The parish church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and is a Grade II listed building dating from 1892. Built of red brick and limestone, with a 15th-century octagonal font. There is a monument to Sir John Guevara, died 1607, of white, grey and orange streaked alabaster and a black marble inscription plaque to Francis Velles de Guevara, died 1592.[3]