The village's name is
Old Danish for "flat hill", an accurate description of the location of the village from where good views of the surrounding countryside can be obtained. The origin of the name is reflective of the area's high Viking-influence. Following the passing of the
Durham (County Palatine) Act 1836, which abolished the temporal authority of the Bishop of Durham within the
County of Durham and Sadberge, the Bishop's tenure of Sadberge reverted to the Crown. Accordingly, a large stone erected on the village green to mark the
Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria is inscribed with the words 'Victoria: Queen of the United Kingdom,
Empress of India and Countess of Sadberge'. == Demographics ==