The etymology of Old Holbrook has changed throughout history.

The name Holbrook itself originates from the feeder stream of the River Arun.
Prior to the construction of the A264 dual carriageway, the area was simply known as Northlands, named after a farm located on Rapeland Hill.
After the completion of the A264 in 1989, the main lane was renamed Old Holbrook to distinguish it from the newer Horsham residential area of Holbrook.

Old Holbrook has a largely agricultural history, with scattered farmhouses dating from the 16th century post-medieval period.
Established in 1537, Rapeland Farm remains one of the oldest properties located in the hamlet.
Rapeland gives its name to 'a place where rape grows', referring to rapeseed plants.

In the south of the hamlet, there exists a historical 17th century moated house, formerly occupied by Horsham member of parliament Robert Henry Hurst.

In July 2015, a crop circle appeared in a field of young wheat adjacent to Upper Rapeland Wood, in the north of the hamlet.
The etymology of Old Holbrook has changed throughout history.
The name Holbrook itself originates from the feeder stream of the River Arun. Prior to the construction of the A264 dual carriageway, the area was simply known as Northlands, named after a farm located on Rapeland Hill. After the completion of the A264 in 1989, the main lane was renamed Old Holbrook to distinguish it from the newer Horsham residential area of Holbrook.
Old Holbrook has a largely agricultural history, with scattered farmhouses dating from the 16th century post-medieval period. Established in 1537, Rapeland Farm remains one of the oldest properties located in the hamlet. Rapeland gives its name to 'a place where rape grows', referring to rapeseed plants.
In the south of the hamlet, there exists a historical 17th century moated house, formerly occupied by Horsham member of parliament Robert Henry Hurst.
In July 2015, a crop circle appeared in a field of young wheat adjacent to Upper Rapeland Wood, in the north of the hamlet.
Old Holbrook