Until the early 20th century, much of West Grimstead was owned by landed gentry and was part of larger estates. There are early references to the De Grimstede family, the village passing from them through the male line first to the Perots, then to the Berkeleys; next through the female line to the Breretons; again by the male line to Sir William Compton of
Compton Wynyates. West Grimstead was then sold by Richard Compton to
Sir Stephen Fox, later
Earl of Ilchester. West Grimstead remained part of the Ilchester estate through the 18th century until it was sold to the
2nd Earl of Radnor in 1801 at the time of the parish's
inclosure act. In 1916, the whole village was sold by the Longford Estate, mainly to sitting tenants. In 1931, the civil parish had a population of 218. The
Salisbury and Southampton Canal was built close to the north of the village. In 1803, the section eastward from West Grimstead was opened, linking to the
Andover Canal near
Kimbridge; the canal was never completed as far as Salisbury and closed in 1806. In 1847, the
London and South Western Railway opened its line between
Bishopstoke in Hampshire and
Milford station at Salisbury, following the route of the canal but in a straighter line. The railway remains open as part of the
Wessex Main Line from Salisbury to Southampton. == Religious sites ==