The place is an enlargement of a hamlet of (within the parish of) Hornchurch, known only as Hardley Green in various orthographies (written forms) until at least the early 17th century.

For many centuries the three old churches of these places remained of chapel and chapelry administrative status only, as the liberty matched the area of the ancient parish of Hornchurch, which provided a substantial living (benefice, of capital and income for the parish priest) in the church.

It was last referred to as "Hardley Green" in 1883, so appearing in that year's Ordnance Survey map.

The area naturally drains to form the headwaters of a stream, The Ravensbourne which briefly flows, before joining the River Rom.

Ardleigh Green has a combined junior and primary school, as well as Havering College of Further and Higher Education.