The name of Ravenstone is derived from the Anglo-Saxon Raunston, “Raun” referring to the red rock strata of the district and “ton” meaning a town. Raunston of the Hundred of Goscote is mentioned in the Domesday Book and reference is made to one ploughland, rented by Godric under Nigel de Stratford, which was in Derbyshire.
The Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels dates back to the early 14th Century. Opposite the church is the Hospital, which comprises a quadrangle of Almshouses with Masters Lodge and Chapel. These date from 1712 and were provided for the use of spinsters and widows by the will of Mrs Rebecca Wilkins in memory of her son Francis.
One of the few cruck cottages left in Britain can be seen in Main Street and the area around the Church has been declared a conservation area. Nearby Alton Grange was once the home of the famous railway engineer George Stephenson (now a private residence).
Snibston
Snibston is a hamlet on the outskirts of Coalville The Parish Church of St Mary’s has external measurements of only 10mx5.5m (32’ x 18’) and is one of the smallest churches still in use in England today and dates back to the 12th century, it is reached by a lane from the turnpike road or by field paths from Donington-le-Heath.. The old turnpike road between Leicester and Ashby de;la Zouch ran through Snibston, and the neighbouring settlements of Hugglescote, Donington le Heath and Ravenstone.