[1] The toponym "Saunderton" is derived from Old English, but its original meaning is not clear.

The Domesday Book of 1086 records it as Santesdune, leading some scholars to believe that the village name derives from "saint's hill".

It became one of the most secure houses in the region and regular absconders from other workhouses were often moved here because of its remote location.

On 1 April 1934 the parish was abolished to form "Bledlow cum Saunderton".

But Saunderton had a second parish church, St Nicholas, that fell into decay.