[1] It was recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as 'Watdena' or 'Wederdena',[2] the name deriving from old English 'wether' for castrated rams (male sheep) and 'dena' denoting valley.

[3] Buildings in the village include St Mary's Church dates from the 14th century and is listed grade I.

[4] It has a late 15th century roof (hammerbeams in the nave and camber beams in the aisle) and contains tombs to the Sulyard family, who partly funded its construction.

It suffered damage during World War II when it was hit by bombs which also killed several village residents.

The clock on the tower was erected by public subscription in 2012 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.