The earliest known settlement in the area was a Roman villa, dating to the third century, on the extreme eastern edge of the village, discovered in 1824. The find was unexpected as it is a long way from the nearest Roman settlement and on poor land for arable farming. In the medieval period the area was part of the Windsor Forest. Known as Guildford Park, it was hunting grounds for the King when he was in residence at Windsor Castle. From around the 14th Century, sheep farming became the main occupation in the area.
