The village has a long history. Its name is derived from the Saxon "Kemys' Eye", or the island of Kemys. Kemys was a Saxon chief, whose island lay between marshes and the River Severn. One of the roads in Kempsey, Lyf's Lane, is named after another Saxon chief.
In the Domesday Book, Kempsey was valued at £7.
St. Mary's is the local Anglican church. It was built between the 12th century and 15th centuries, and the 15th century tower is 82 feet tall.
The composer Sir Edward Elgar lived in the village from 1923 to 1927, during which time he was made Master of the King's Musick.
The village has several pubs including one named after Walter de Cantilupe.
One of Kempsey's oldest residents, Roger Martin is a well known local piss artist