Fotherley is mentioned in a number of old documents which give information about the number of people who once lived here. In 1268 the vill was held by two tenants and in 1296 there were eight taxpayers. Although the population probably grew through the medieval period it had shrunk again by the 17th century and today there are only two farms here. Archaeologists are not exactly sure where the medieval village stood, but a hint is given by some earthworks north-west of High Fotherley.