It has an elevated position at the northern edge of the Bowood House estate, about 3 miles (5 km) south-east of the centre of the town of Chippenham.

[2] The Chippenham and Calne branch of the Great Western Railway passed by the village, from its opening in 1863 until its closure to passengers in 1965.

Its asymmetric Italianate design, with tall campanile, is by Charles Barry whose many other works include the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster.

Known as the Golden Gates, it is a Grade II* listed structure, described by Historic England as "a major work of the C19 Italianate style".

Until then, the village was essentially one road; as a result, the population grew sharply, requiring the school's extension.

The western end of the village, including estate houses, the pub and the Golden Gates, was made a Conservation Area in 1986.

[9] Derry Hill lies within the parish of Calne Without, which covers a wide area including the nearby villages of Studley and Sandy Lane.

Other improvements to the church in the 20th century included re-seating the nave in 1936, and replacing the stone roof tiles with slate, together with other general repairs, in 1961–1962.

[citation needed] The church was used regularly by the Lansdowne family for weddings and funerals when their private chapel was too small.

[14] At first the district included Sandy Lane village, but in 1864 that southern part was transferred to Chittoe parish.

[17] The parish registers from 1840 (baptisms and burials) and 1842 (marriages), other than those in current use, are held in the Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office.