It is usually said to derive from 'horse ford', but it has also been suggested that it comes from the River Hor on which the village stands (more usually known to locals as 'the Beck').

Initially income was from shooting and grazing rights, but in the late 20th century they were let to civil contractors who filled them with spoil from construction sites and the Trustees then planted them with trees.

In 2015 the Parish Council decided to consider the development of a neighbourhood plan and a steering group was formed made up of some councillors and some interested residents.

Grants were applied for and a professional project manager was employed to give guidance and direction.

The plan was scrutinised by Broadland DC and an independent examiner before being put to the residents in a referendum which approved it by a very large majority