Traces of Bronze Age occupation have been found in the parish, including the Portingbury Hills mound in Hatfield Forest.

Hatfield Forest, is an ancient woodland, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR).

[6] A phonetic version of the name might be that recorded in 1381 as "Hatfeld Broodhook"[7] Hatfield was at one time a thriving market town.

At the north end of the parish lies Hatfield Forest, known for its large oak trees.

The present parish church of St Mary the Virgin is early medieval, and has a stone tower with eight bells.

[3] The nave contains the mutilated stone effigy of Robert de Vere, 3rd Earl of Oxford, who was buried in the church in 1221.