Will of Wynflæd, circa AD 950, mentions land at Cinnuc (11th-century copy, British Library Cotton Charters viii. 38)[2]
The origin of the name Chinnock is uncertain. It may be derived from the Old Englishcinu meaning ravine or cinn meaning a chin shaped hill, with the addition of ock meaning little.[3] An alternative derivation may be an old hill-name of Celtic origin.[4]
The parish council has co-responsibility for some local issues so sets an annual precept (local rate) to cover its costs and makes annual accounts for public scrutiny. It can submit its evaluation report into all planning applications and works with police, other councils' officers, and neighbourhood watch groups on matters of crime/security, traffic and highways. Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and the environment can be in its reports and initiatives. It maintains and repairs some of, and consults with both higher-tier councils, as to more of, sports/leisure facilities, verges, parks, surface water drainage, paths, public transit and street cleaning.
To the west of the village is a rare spring, of salt water, locally known as (the) Salt Hole. It was used for salt manufacture until the mid 19th century.[7]
Religious sites
The Church of Saint Mary in East Chinnock has 14th-century origins.[8] Most of the stained glass of the nave and chancel was made by Gunther Anton, a prisoner of war in Yeovil during World War II, and dedicated by George Carey in 1989.[3]
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