The village lies close and to the east of the A140 road and is 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Norwich and some 8 miles (12.9 km) south of Aylsham It takes its name from the River Hor, which runs through it on its way from Horsford to Horstead; and a Benedictine priory, founded in honour of St Faith that, until the dissolution of the monasteries, stood there.

On 17 October from the early 12th century until 1872 it played host to one of the country's largest cattle fairs.

This fair was held to the south of Spixworth Road around Bullock Hill and Calf Lane.

Inside the church at Horsham St Faith there is a memorial to his eldest son, John Francis Brabazon Spurrell, who was killed by buffalo at Kibaya, Tanganyika, in 1927.

Of interest inside the church is the rood screen dated 1528 and adorned with 12 panels depicting saints.