The name "Barugh" means 'rise of the land' which has its origins in Anglo-Saxon. The name was first recorded as "Berg" and "Berch" in 1086 and comes from Old English "beorg" 'hill.' The pub in Great Barugh, which dates back to 1632, is the heart of the community; it is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the village. This is the only local village amenity, with Great and Little Barugh having no shops, post office or village Hall. Ruins have been found at sites in both Great and Little Barugh including those of a Roman villa. There is also evidence of a Roman road which led to York. There was a school in Great Barugh which opened in 1859; this has since been closed.