The village was first mentioned in 1094 as Aldenkercha. The current name means "old parish".[3] Oudkarspel developed in the 11th century a linear settlement along the dike. In 1607, the village became a heerlijkheid and the manor house Oud-Karspel was built around 1640. The estate was damaged by war in 1799 and demolished in 1808.[4]
The Dutch Reformed church is a three aisled basilica-like church. The tower without a spire used to date from the 13th century. In 1969, the church was completely destroyed in a fire, and was rebuilt in a basic style.[4]
Oudkarspel was home to 704 people in 1840.[5] It was a separate municipality until 1941, when the new municipality of Langedijk was created.[6] In 2022, it became part of the new municipality of Dijk en Waard.[5]
