The village history dates back to ancient times connected with the Romans and the Vikings. The Viking Way, a nationally recognised long distance footpath, passes through Belchford past the Blue Bell Inn, on its way from the Humber in the north to Rutland in the south. During the English Reformation of the English Christian church, in 1536, the vicar of Belchford was hanged, drawn and quartered for treason, after leading a rebellion against the crown.