The name is thought to have derived from "snow's edge", referring to the hamlet's close proximity (about 5 km or 3 mi) to the North Pennines.

The majority of the buildings date from the 19th century, and the church from 1835 when the centre of the Anglican parish of Shotley Low Quarter was moved from St Andrew's chapel on Kiln Pit Hill to the new site.

Snods Edge hosts a number of events each year for the parish, including an art exhibition, which is mainly for local artists to display their paintings.

It also hosts a number of other events including a weekly Sunday tea where members of the parish, as well as the local Women's Institute, cook home-made products such as cakes and sandwiches.

There was also once a weekend-long camping event on the sports field during the Easter holiday for the children of the parish, but this has been since been stopped because of waning numbers over the years.