According to A Dictionary of British Place Names, Roding derives from "Rodinges" as is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, with the later variation 'Roinges Sancte Margaret' recorded in 1245.

The 1882 living was a rectory, formerly belonging to the Abbey of St Albans, with residence and 43 acres (0.17 km2) of glebe, being land used for the support of the incumbent.

There was an endowment of 30 shillings for distribution of bread to the poor, and a James Bentley gave an 1865 gift of £400, the £12 yearly interest from which was for the upkeep of churchyard and to keep walls in good repair.

The 1882 and 1894 Lords of the Manor and principal landowners were the Rev Ralph Colley Smith and the Master and fellows of University College, Oxford.

By a Local Government Order on 24 March 1888, a detached part of Good Easter parish, known as 'Pinches', was added to Margaret Roding.

Farmers in 1902 numbered four, with one at Butts End, with other occupations including the licensee of the Carpenters' Arms, a farm bailiff, the sub-postmaster at the Post Office, a shopkeeper and a beer retailer at Birds Green, and a photographic enlarger & artist at Highhams.

Listed in 1914 was the shopkeeper & Post Office sub-postmaster, a carpenter, six farmers, an assistant overseer, and the paymaster for the Margaret Roothing Benefit Society.