Redbourn, Hertfordshire
Redbourn is an ancient Hertfordshire village, situated on the River Ver and the old Roman road with a population of around 6000. The village has a selection of local shops, Public Houses and Churches and an extensive common.
Featured in the Domesday Book made for William the Conqueror in 1086, Redbourn had remained unchanged for some time. The entry describes a well established, thriving, agricultural community, held mainly by the Abbot of St Albans.
In the 12th century, a small Priory was dramatically founded half a mile away on Redbourn Common. The Priory was built on the site where bones, believed to be of St Amphibalus, the priest who converted St Alban to Christianity, were discovered.
Image Gallery of Redbourn
Key to the growth and development of Redbourn from early times has been its location on the old Roman Road. The location of the village, and the additional attraction of the Priory attracted many travellers seeking lodgings. This led to a boom in trade for the village, particularly for Inns and Public houses. At its height, Redbourn had more than 25 such establishments and was known as ‘The Street of Inns’.
The opening of the railway between London and Birmingham in 1838 heralded the end of the coaching era. This had a significant impact on villages such as Redbourn that had thrived due to the volumes of passing trade. Redbourn had a railway station on the branch line from Hemel Hempstead to Harpenden from 1877 to 1979.
Former industries in Redbourn include agriculture and a successful watercress farm. Silk throwing was carried out at Woolhams Mill near Redbourn Common. Other occupations in the village included making straw plait and hat making.
The modern day village of Redbourn has won a number of village and community awards during recent years such as; Hertfordshire Village Of The Year, 2002 and 2004, section awards in 2003 and 2005, IT Section Winner 2005 and Eastern England ICT Winner 2005, also Hertfordshire Village of the year Best Community Project Award.
Redbourn Museum is housed in Silk Mill House on the site of the former steam driven silk Mill. The museum is arranged on 3 floors and houses a variety of exhibits relating to the history of the local area and former occupations and industry in Redbourn.
Redbourn, the Ver Valley and the surrounding area is very popular with walkers with a variety of footpaths nearby.
The Ver Valley walk - www.chilternsaonb.org/downloads/publications/vervalleywalkleaflet.pdf
Redbournbury Watermill
Redbournbury Watermill, situated just outside Redbourn is a key attraction of the area. The Watermill was almost certainly built on the site of a Mill dating from the 11th Century, flour has been ground here for over 900 years.
The Mill has been rebuilt following fires on at least three occasions, most recently in 1987. Following extensive restoration, the Mill is now a working Museum and is regularly open to the public. Set in beautiful, unspoilt countryside, various local walks pass by the Mill.
Rebournbury Mill Museum is regularly open to the public, flour and bread are available for sale. For details of the Museum and opening times please visit: www.redbournmill.co.uk
