The area was given a name of Manvers in 1816 around the same time as the arrival of the first permanent settlers. The Township formed part of Durham County which was part of the District of Newcastle. Also included in this District was Northumberland and York. English, Irish and Scottish settlers came to the area and established many hamlet areas to serve as general business areas. These areas may be included a church, cemetery, retail stores and hotel. As time progressed, many of these hamlet areas are no longer thriving retail areas but are important in the creation of Manvers. Many of the communities that made up Manvers in the early years are outlined under Communities.
Manvers Township government was part of Durham County until the mid 1970’s when it was restructured to Victoria County. In 2001, all townships and villages were amalgamated in the single tier municipality known as City of Kawartha Lakes.