 Remains of an early field system at Gastard are believed to date from the Romano-British period, and Roman jewellery has been found.The name of the village has had several different forms over the centuries and was recorded variously as Gatesterta in 1154, Getestert in 1167, Gateherst in 1177, Gastard in 1428.In 1875 it was referred to in a directory as "Gastard (or Gustard)".