Lemsford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lemsford |
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 The Sun Inn at Lemsford |
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 Lemsford
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| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Welwyn Garden City |
| Postcode district | AL8 |
| Police | Hertfordshire |
| Fire | Hertfordshire |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Lemsford is a small village in Hertfordshire, England. It's located very close to the towns of Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield. Lemsford is part of the Hatfield Villages area within the Borough of Welwyn Hatfield.
Two important features pass through Lemsford: the River Lea and the old Great North Road. This road was once a busy route for wagons and horses traveling to and from London. Lemsford used to be a key stopping point for these travelers.
Near the village, you'll find the Lemsford Springs nature reserve. This special place is a safe home for many birds, including rare ones like the Green sandpiper.
Lemsford is also famous for its traditional English country Fete. This fun event happens every May Day Bank Holiday at St. John's School and Church. You can enjoy activities like maypole dancing, raffles, and live music.
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Lemsford's Past
Lemsford became its own separate area, or parish, in 1858. Before that, it was part of Bishop's Hatfield. But the village itself is much older than 1858!
Cool Buildings in Lemsford
Lemsford Mill
Lemsford Mill is an old building from the 1800s. It sits right on the River Lea. This mill is a "Grade II listed" building, which means it's officially recognized as an important historical place. It might even be on the same spot as one of the four mills mentioned in the Domesday Book back in 1086!
Today, Lemsford Mill is the main office for a company called Ramble Worldwide. It was updated to be a modern office space. The mill still has its original water wheel, which now helps make electricity! In 2007, the building won awards for its great design and use. There are also other small business offices built next to the mill.
Brocket Hall and Lemsford Church
In the 1800s, when Lemsford became its own parish, Brocket Hall was part of the large land owned by the Cowper family. Brocket Hall is a grand estate located right on the edge of Lemsford.
The church in Lemsford was built in 1859. It was created to remember the sixth Earl Cowper. The church has a beautiful old English style, with a lovely window at the front that also honors the earl. Its tall tower has battlements, which are like the tops of old castles.
Bridge House
Bridge House is a large, impressive home in the village. It's located right next to The Sun pub. This house has been around since at least 1807. It was originally a "double-fronted" house, meaning it had two main entrances at the front. Later owners added more to the building. Like Lemsford Mill, Bridge House is also a Grade II listed building. Some of its past owners include Edmund Whittingstall in 1832 and William Lams in 1851.
The Sun Inn Pub
The Sun Inn is a very old pub in Lemsford, first mentioned as an "ale house" (a place to buy beer) in 1717. It's the only pub left in Lemsford, as another one called The Long and Short Arm closed in 2023.
The Lemsford Local History Group is a team that studies and shares the history of Lemsford and the areas nearby.
People from Lemsford
Stephen Ward, who was an osteopath (a type of doctor who focuses on bones and muscles), was born in Lemsford in 1912. His father was the local vicar, or church leader, in Lemsford.
