ORIGINALLY part of the adjoining Seal parish, Underriver became a parish in its own right in 1867 after St Margaret's Church was built.

Although there is evidence of Saxon field names, the earliest settlements are thought to be Romschedde Manor and the manor of Shoads, which was replaced in the 18th century by Underriver House.

Romschedde Manor was still in existence in the early 13th century and the name survives in today's Romshed Farm.

By the end of the 13th century, yeoman farmers had established several substantial farmsteads, probably attracted by the abundance of spring water.

Evidence of the original dwellings is still visible in the village's houses today.

Some 500 years of undisturbed agricultural activity followed with the development of crops, orchards and hop gardens.

The hamlet was designated The Golden Valley by the 19th century visionary painter Samuel Palmer.

During the 19th and early 20th century, Underriver had a school, a forge and a post office, which were all based heavily on agriculture to support it.