Little Aldenham – A Little Piece of England

A tiny village in Hertfordshire, Aldenham is a popular choice for Londoners who want to escape the rush of the city and find some peace and tranquillity in the countryside. Aldenham is only fourteen miles from Marble Arch, so a perfect retreat not far from the city, located in the Green Belt and protected as a conservation area.

At Aldenham’s old reservoir, a country park has been constructed, and at the new reservoir, there is a nature reserve. The village is very picturesque, with its 17th century inn, village green and pond, and many 16th century cottages.

There is evidence that the village dates from Saxon times, and it is believed that the chancel of the Church of St. John the Baptist is the site of a Saxon church built by King Offa, King of Mercia (785 AD). The church is unique as its tower and tower buttresses have been built using Hertfordshire puddingstone - a very rare geological rock found only around the area. The Church of St. John the Baptist is itself over 700 years old, and an interesting part of the village, with unusual and elaborate chest tombs.

There are also buildings of historical interest in close proximity to the church, including a late medieval hall house dating from around 1500 (which is now the social club), a 16th century farm house, and Wall Hall – a magnificent gothic revival mansion with a castellated façade. Wall Hall was once owned by banker J. P. Morgan, Jr., but has since been re-developed into luxury flats, each fetching over £1million on the housing market!

The village and parish of Aldenham, is certainly worth a visit if you fancy a day away from the daily hustle and bustle. It’s not far from St. Albans Car and Van Hire, and a lovely piece of England enjoyed by many sightseer and local.