Beauty, history and community are the pillars of village life in Redbourn
History
Redbourn is a picturesque and community focused village with lots going on throughout the year.
It was once a Saxon settlement, and it is known for being the location of the first recorded cricket match in Hertfordshire in 1666.
Many a stagecoach would stop at the village over the centuries and many of the old coaching inns are still pubs to this day.
Nearby is the restored Redbournbury Mill, which features special events on open days. Redbourn is also home to the annual Hertfordshire County Show, which draws people to enjoy events, country foods and crafts.
According to redbournvillage.org.uk, Redborun is recorded in the Domesday Book.
Around fifty years after its Norman Church St Mary's was built, a small Priory was founded half a mile away on Redbourn Common.
To the southwest of the town just beyond the motorway is the site of an Iron Age hill fort called The Aubreys.
To the south of the village Redbournbury Mill has been restored and produces flour.
Woollam's Mill was where silk throwing was carried out and the mill was taken over by John Mangrove & Son and closed it in 1938.
Brooke Bond took over the silk mill at the outbreak of the World War II. Tragedy struck when a young gentleman in the village fell into a vat of jam and died.
A lobbying campaign by several school children in 2003 saw the memorial bench unveiled to 'Sticky Joe'.
The factory closed in 1996 and the old silk mill manager’s house which is the Grade II listed Silk Mill House was donated as the village museum, and was opened in May 2000.
What used to be the silk mill site is now a housing estate.
Interestingly Redbourn Village Hall was formerly a straw hat factory and other old industries in the village included making straw plaits.
Once dubbed “Street of Inns” in the coaching era, Redbourn had around 25 pubs and inns at its heyday.
The opening of the railway from London to Birmingham in 1838 saw the decline of stage-coaching.
Exploring the town
For a wonderful walk enjoy the footpath from Hempstead to Harpenden which passes through Redbourn. It was once a branch railway line known as the Nickey Line which opened on 16 July 1877 and closed in 1979.
In late May there is the popular Hertfordshire County Show at the 70-acre show ground site which is one mile north of the village. Taking place on Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 May there will be unbelievable displays of horse riding prowess from Ben Atkinson with his liberty show and a display by the Wye Valley Axemen who have been giving crowd pleasing displays at events across the country and much more.
There is a wealth of history when it comes to cricket in Redbourn. The Redbourn Cricket Club was formed around 1823 however, there is evidence it played on Redbourn Common some eighty years earlier.
Some Hertfordshire County histories record cricket being played on the common in 1666, making it one of the oldest recorded cricketing locations in England.
There are some picturesque locations for gold fans including Redbourn Golf Club which is regarded for its two golf courses and driving range. Over at The Kinsbourne Course there are some of the best short courses in Hertfordshire.
Eating and drinking
Former MasterChef: The Professionals contestant Sean Clarke opened Sean’s Bakery last April.
Having built up a loyal clientele during lockdown delivering food, his bakery is a popular place for people to come and enjoy his tempting delicacies.
He makes everything from scratch, from sweet treats, pastries and artisan baked goods.
Attached to The George pub, Sean serves pizza and burgers to hungry pub goers on Thursday and Fridays.
Sean said: “It was a no brainer to run a business in Redbourn because I grew up here from the age of 10, and all my family and friends are here. It is a pretty place with a real community spirit.”
For quality wine in the heart of the village look no further than The Wine Sisters. The professional sommeliers provide a large selection of wines.
The Cricketers is a lovely pub overlooking the large village common.
There is plenty of seating for visitors and a range of freshly cooked pub classics and daily specials. There are dining pods if you fancy an al fresco dinner.
Zykaa on the hight street serving Indian cuisine and for a quality treat dinner head to The Old Cottage Fish & Chips.
The Hollybush on Church End does a cracking Sunday lunch and
Less than ten minutes drive away is The Spotted Dog run by executive chef and owner Mark Jarvis who has worked at many Michelin-starred restaurants including Lords of the Manor, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
Jarvis went on to pursue his own venture Anglo, in Farringdon which launched in March 2016 and The Spotted Dog which is his first project outside of London.
Shopping in the town
Keen cyclists head to The Bike Loft which is a mecca for those who have a love for bikes and accessories. They provide trustworthy repair services to people and have bike brands such as Orbea, Dawes Cycles, Colnago, Orro Bikes, Kinesis Bikes and Zipp.
Oud Attar is a perfume shop at The Priory in Redbourn. Founded in 2006, the origins started with a trip to Egypt where they were taken with the perfume sold there. They continue to work with the perfumer there discovering new favourites to stock in the store. They have a huge collection of oils which are long-lasting nature and versatile.
Mila Rose London, located at The Priory, stocks fashion items, bags and shoppers, beach and swim, accessories, candles and more. If you are ordering online they offer free click and collect from the Redbourn location.
Case study
Pauline Ridgwell and her husband John moved to the village from Dunstable in 1992.
“Initially we decided on Redbourn as it was centrally located between our hospital workplaces in Luton and Hemel Hempstead. At that time, we only knew one person living in Redbourn and another who had moved away. Now after 31 years, we have made many new friends and know hundreds of residents through our involvement with several village organisations.
I love the outdoors and Redbourn is surrounded by countryside with quiet local lanes and footpaths suitable for walking and cycling right from our front door. It is a pleasure to walk across the ancient common, where there is always activity especially dog walking, picnics and cricket in summer at the club formed in 1666.
The Redbourn in Bloom horticultural society keeps the village looking beautiful each year and Redbourn won Gold in last year’s Anglia in Bloom Small Town category.
We have been involved with Redbourn Museum since it opened in 2000 and enjoy welcoming visitors at weekends.
I was a founder member of Redbourn u3a which has grown to a membership of over 400 since 2013 and many new friendships have been formed through the varied activities.
I am also a bellringer at St. Mary’s Church where we are teaching some new recruits to Ring for the King at his coronation.
Both of us have been supporters and volunteers for Redbourn Community Group for many years and are so impressed with the wonderful care that is offered to those that need help with transport or to combat loneliness. Nobody needs to be lonely in Redbourn as it is such a friendly place to live.”
