Poundstock is situated in the deanery of Trigg Major and Hundred of Lesnewth.

The name Poundstock is Saxon and means 'cattle enclosure', and the cattle pound was a feature of the village for centuries. A church has stood upon this spot for 14 centuries.

Poundstock was given to Robert, Count de Mortain, by William the Conqueror. In 1357, at a time of bitter rivalry amongst robbers and pirates in the area, the assistant curate, William Penfound, was hacked to death before the altar, and it is said that his ghost may still be seen. The last of the Penfounds died in the poorhouse in 1847. There is a tale of one Kate Penfound who attempted to elope with John Trebarfoot of Trebarfoot Manor. As she was leaving, her father intervened with his sword, and in the ensuing fight all three were killed.