Roydon takes its name from Rye or Rie, which is the origin of Rysing as pronounced in Saxon times.Don or Dun is derived from the Saxon word for hill. Ryedun in times past was part of Rysing. Ryedun stands higher on sandy soil than Rysing hence the the Dun (sandune). In later years the seaport town of Rysing had built its Norman Castle. Over time,this became known as Castle Rising, and Ryedun became Roydon as it is known today.

In 1066 William the Conquerer took Ryedun from Stigund, Archbishop of Canterbury and gave it to his brother Odo who was Bishop of Baieux in France.

By the early 17 century, the Howard family were Lord of the Manor and continued to be so until the middle of the 20 century, when much of Roydon was sold off privately.

The Church of All Saints, is a small Edifice built in the late 13th Century consisting of Chancel, Nave, South Porch and Embattled Western Tower which contained one bell. There are four stained glass window, one at the west end in the tower and three in the Chancel at the east end. the Howards remain patrons of the church as they have been since the 17th century.