[4][5] According to Mills', Saxby probably either derives its name from a "farmstead or village of a man called Saksi", an Old Scandinavian person name, or from "Saksar" (Saxons).

[7][8] In 1885 Kelly's Directory noted Saxby as a "small but very pleasant village", 4 miles (6.4 km) north-west of Elsham railway station and near the Ancholme navigation.

The village contained a post office, six farmers, a blacksmith, wheelwright, bricklayer, miller – at Saxby Mill – and a Co-operative society.

[9] By 1905 a joiner, builder, shoemaker and a carrier were further trades in the village, and a reading room, opened in 1882, was noted, with Henry John Hope Barton esq.

A drinking fountain had been erected at the centre of the village in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, and in memory of a Frederick Horsley.

It was built by George Gilbert Scott between 1845 and 1849, with its pyramid-roofed tower, described by Pevsner as "less correct" and looking "as if it was meant for a town hall", added by in 1873 by Neville.

A church clock was added to the tower by the parishioners in 1893, to commemorate the coming of age of Henry John Hope Barton, and the 1904 chancel screen was carved in the village.

[5][9][10] The Queen Victoria limestone column monument and drinking trough, with its waterspout a carved lion's head, also commemorates Frederick Horsley "Having been for 42 years the faithful and respected steward of this Estate".

[19] Saxby Hall is a brick-built, Grade II listed, 18th-century building remodelled in the early 19th century,[20] with its west wing remaining from the earlier structure.