The village of Babington dates from
medieval times. Its name derives from the
Babington family, who were once associated with the village, but it appears to have been for the most part demolished to make way for the house around 1705. The manor was sold by Thomas and Mary Mankham to Joan Elcode, a widow, according to a deed dated Easter 1572. The estate then contained seven
messuages, one cottage, 10
tofts, one
water mill, 10 gardens, 14 orchards, 300 acres (121 hectares) of land, of meadow, of pasture, of wood and of
furze and carried an annual rent of 4 shillings and of pepper. The estate passed through several hands until it was forfeited to the Crown in 1593. By the late 17th century, the manor belonged to Thomas Pacey who left it to his sister, Margaret. She was married to a
Bristol alderman, William Crabb, and subsequently passed the manor on to their eldest daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Henry Mompesson of
Corston, Wiltshire (1633–1715) who was Sheriff of Somerset in 1698. Mrs Knatchbull was better known under her maiden name as the pianist and composer
Dora Bright. In April 1939,
BBC Radio broadcast a concert of her playing from Babington House. Adjacent to Babington House is the Grade I
listed Church of St Margaret, which is owned and operated by the St. Margaret's, Babington, Charitable Trust. The Grounds of Babington House are listed Grade II in the
Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England. ==Hotel and private members' club==