The village name is Anglo Saxon in origin, and means 'spring frequented by deer'. In the Domesday Book of 1086 it was recorded as Hertewelle.
In the village is a grand mansion: Hartwell House, that has a very illustrious history. Now a five star hotel, in its past it has been a finishing school for girls, and a property of John Hampden's family.
In the time running up to 1814, during the reign in France of Napoleon Bonaparte, the owner of the house Sir Charles Lee invited King Louis XVIII of France into his home as a guest. The arrival of the king with his court and entourage brought great wealth to the village, which it has not lost to this day.