The Parish church of St Lawrence was mentioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086 and was rebuilt around 1300 in the Decorated Style. It has a fine porch with semi-circular stone ribs and a massive nail studded door. The clerestory was built and the nave re-roofed in the 15th century. An Art Deco floral art window is rich in colour and design. The large brass plaque beneath explains the dedication of the window in memory of William Wooton Abney. The family lived in Measham Hall, long since demolished.
In 1780 Joseph Wilkes purchased the Manor for the sum of £50,000, Wilkes was one of then most influential men of the industrial revolution, this began a prosperous period in the history of Measham lasting well into the next century, coalmines, banking, tramways, boot, lace, cotton and bleach mills were all serviced by the new Ashby canal. A curious development in Measham resulted from the introduction of the Brick Tax in 1784. Sir Joseph Wilkes, who was producing bricks in Measham, decided to double their size in order to lessen his tax burden and these “Wilkes Gobs” can still be seen in several houses in Measham.
The village has it’s own Museum housed in The Old Station Building. Nearby is a sensory garden. Traditionally associated with the canal people Measham ware dates from the last quarter of the 19th century. Sometimes known as Rockingham ware, it was produced in Church Gresly and Woodville, the last know manufacture date being 1914. Measham museum's earliest teapot is dated 1886. All kinds of tea and table ware were made in the characteristic dark brown glaze covered in shiny sprigs of flowers and birds. They were commissioned and sold by Mrs. Annie Bonas from her shop on the High Street.
St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, Measham Church was constructed in 1881 and the decision to demolish was a difficult one for the Parish Council and parishioners. A new Church/Church Hall was completed in 2008.
To commemorate Wilkes, a mosaic sundial displaying many of his enterprises has been constructed in the sensory garden near Wilkes Avenue in Measham.
In 1992 the village became the first rural housing renewal area in the country and was designated the first model village in the new National Forest.
