Mattanur has a rich history. Historical remains ranging from the Stone Age to the Modern Age can be seen here and in the surrounding region. The Umbrella Stones and Nannangadis that are found in various parts of the municipal area show that Mattanur's history dates back centuries. Mesolithic implements and tools obtained from Nirmalagiri, just 5 km from Mattanur, and the discovery and excavations by Babington in 1823, of burials at nearby Bangala Motta Paramba, are pieces of evidence that humans existed in this area, even during the pre-historic periods.

One of the eminent personalities from Mattanur was Pulleri Illathu Madhusoodanan Thangal, from the pre-independent era. Thangal is known as "the founder of new Mattanur" in Mattanur history. He laid Paves of Religious Tolerances in Mattanur. He handed over acres of land to form a mosque in Mattanur and made an agreement with the Muslims to reach a "Vilek Enna" to the Mattanur Mahadeva Temple during any time for any need. Madhu Soodhanan Thangal gave free land for a police station and the Inspection Banglaw for the British rulers under the condition of one condition and one purpose only. This condition, "ONE condition and ONE purpose," also exists in this time, and also during the Janayatha Period. Thangal and his ancestors are only the makers of Mattanur around, after Purali Raja vamsa in Kannur. During British rule, he represented the area in the Madras Legislative Council. He was the first man to have made Kshethrapravesana to Avarnas, in his family temple, Mattanur Maha Deva Kshethra, before the proclamation of Kshetra Pravesana Vilambara in Kerala. The Pulrali Raja, the martyr Veera Singha Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, is the only prominent ruler to take all services to the avarnas, Vanavaseees and Muslims in India during the first decades of modern period.

Sri. KT Madhavan Nambiar, a renowned freedom fighter and the leader of the Communist Party of India, was also the president of Mattanur Panchayat for sixteen years until his death in 1972. During his tenure as president, much development took place in the area, including new roads and electrification. The Government Hospital in Mattanur, which now caters to the health needs of thousands of people, was established during his tenure. He took initiative in setting up a fruit canning unit in Kallur under the Co-Operative Sector. After his death, the unit could not function for years and later was taken over by the Khadi Board and then by RAIDCO. V.K Paithal was another notable president of Mattanur during its Panchayat Periods.

Mattanur was a Municipal Town after 1995. The first chairman was Shri N. Mukundan Master. Therefore, he is known as the forefather of Mattanur Nagara. He made different plans and farms to Mattanur Municipality.

Some of the most important places in the locality are Illam Moola (Sasthapuram), Pariyaram, Thillenkeri, Muzhakkunnu, Uruvachal, Maruthayi and Chavassery. Puralimala is a historical place near Mattanur. Kottiyoor Mahadeva Khsetram is only a one and half hour drive from Mattanur.

Muzhakkunu near Mattanur is the "Aaroodastala" of Purali–Pazhassi Vamsa of the most-northern Kerala. Shri Mridhanga syleswari Temple is situated here. The ancestral temple, avasishta, of the Porkkali goddess, the tharavadu Devatha of Pazhassi are vented[clarification needed] in the southern part of the temple Mridhangasylesweri. Muzhakkunnu Village is the clear-cut Prathifalana kannadi of India, for in its days of rulers in Zemindari Era, it was against Achara persons also. Near Grama, is the Purana place of Namboodiries in Kerala, where Rishi Parassurama was invited and hosted. The "polichatukkal" of the Rajakkeeya dynasty to unbelievers also took place here, like other places in India. The Karshaka viplava era took place here, followed by the "polichadukkal." Chavassery is the other place where the branch of purali vamsa, "Patinjarae Kovil," were taken in huts. Elipetta Malika, near Mannompazhassi Shree Mahavishnu temple, is the first Kovilaka of the forefathers of Martiyor Pazhassi Veerasingha Kerala Pazhassi Raja. Then, after decades, it was established by a palace in Pazhassi for the unknown period of these rulers.

Pazhassi is one of the important places in Mattanur, where Great King Pazhassi Raja stayed; today, some Veera Pazhassi generations still live there. His tharavad is known as Pazhassi Kolooth, which is located 5 km from Mattanur. But the Koolom does not exist anymore. It was eliminated by the British during the war period between Pazhassi Veerasingha Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja and the British. But Patinjarae Kovilakom, built by the ancestors of Pazhassi, still exists. It is also illustrated that the Vamsa of Veera Pazhassi does not exist after the death of Thamburatti Gopalika in 1990.