Thorley is listed in the Domesday book as "Torlei", belonging to Geoffrey de Mandeville, a notable Norman baron.

Thorley is less than one mile north from Blounts Farm in the adjoining parish of High Wych, the place where, in 1966, the criminal Harry Roberts was found by police during a long manhunt after he had participated in the Shepherd's Bush murders of three London-based policemen.

[3] Thorley Church, dedicated to St James the Great, is a Grade I listed building.

The stocks and whipping post that stood in the graveyard until the late 20th century have now been moved to the Bishop's Stortford Museum.

[6] Thorley Wash nature reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest owned and managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust between the village and the Stort Navigation.