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Elstree is a large village in the
Hertsmere Hertsmere is a local government district with borough status in Hertfordshire, England. Its council is based in Borehamwood. Other settlements in the borough include Bushey, Elstree, Radlett and Potters Bar. The borough contains several fi ...
borough of
Hertfordshire Hertfordshire ( or ; often abbreviated Herts) is a ceremonial county in the East of England and one of the home counties. It borders Bedfordshire to the north-west, Cambridgeshire to the north-east, Essex to the east, Greater London to the ...
, England. It is about northwest of central London on the former A5 road, which follows the course of
Watling Street Watling Street is a historic route in England, running from Dover and London in the southeast, via St Albans to Wroxeter. The road crosses the River Thames at London and was used in Classical Antiquity, Late Antiquity, and throughout the M ...
. In 2011, its population was 5,110. It forms part of the
civil parish In England, a civil parish is a type of administrative parish used for local government. It is a territorial designation which is the lowest tier of local government. Civil parishes can trace their origin to the ancient system of parishes, w ...
of
Elstree and Borehamwood Elstree and Borehamwood is a Civil parishes in England, civil parish in the Hertsmere district, in Hertfordshire, England. Located approximately northwest of central London and adjacent to the Greater London boundary, it is an urbanised parish ...
, originally known simply as Elstree. The village often lends its shorter name to businesses and amenities in the adjacent town of
Borehamwood Borehamwood (, historically also Boreham Wood) is a town in southern Hertfordshire, England, from Charing Cross. Borehamwood has a population of 36,322, and is within the London commuter belt. The town's film and TV studios are commonly know ...
, and the names of Elstree and Borehamwood are used interchangeably. Elstree is perhaps best known for multiple Elstree Film Studio complexes, where many films were made, including BBC Elstree Centre, where the TV soap opera ''
EastEnders ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith (producer), Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the ...
'' is shot. This production centre is actually in Borehamwood. The local newspaper is the ''Borehamwood and Elstree Times''. Together with Borehamwood, the village is twinned with
Offenburg Offenburg (; "open borough" - coat of arms showing open gates; Low Alemmanic: ''Offäburg'') is a city in the state of Baden-Württemberg, in south-western Germany. With nearly 60,000 inhabitants (2019), it is the largest city and the administrat ...
in Germany, Fontenay-aux-Roses in France, and Huainan in China.


History


Etymology

The name "Elstree" derives from the
Anglo-Saxon The Anglo-Saxons, in some contexts simply called Saxons or the English, were a Cultural identity, cultural group who spoke Old English and inhabited much of what is now England and south-eastern Scotland in the Early Middle Ages. They traced t ...
phrase for "Tidwulf's Tree", which is mentioned as ''"Tidulfres treow" '' in an 11–12th-century manuscript of an A.D. 786 charter. It is thought that "the "T" aslost in the wrong division of '''aet Tidwulfes treo''' ("at Tidwulf's Tree")." A reference to a place in Hertford as "Ilestre" in 1460 may also be a variation. In 1723,
topographer Topography is the study of the forms and features of land surfaces. The topography of an area may refer to the landforms and features themselves, or a description or depiction in maps. Topography is a field of geoscience and planetary scienc ...
John Norden noted in his book '' Speculum Britanniae'', that in the county of Hartfordshire was one "Elstre or Eglestre". In an earlier edition, he writes: :"ELSTREE n. 20. in OFFAES grant EAGLESTRE :''Nemus aquilinum'': a place wherit may be thought Eagles bredd in time past, for though it be nowe hilly and heathy – it hath beene replenished with stately trees, fit for such fowle to breede and harbour in. It is parcell of the libertie of ''S. Albans''. ''Nemus aquilinum'' is the Latin for "grove of eagles". ''
Robinson Crusoe ''Robinson Crusoe'' ( ) is an English adventure novel by Daniel Defoe, first published on 25 April 1719. Written with a combination of Epistolary novel, epistolary, Confessional writing, confessional, and Didacticism, didactic forms, the ...
'' author,
Daniel Defoe Daniel Defoe (; born Daniel Foe; 1660 – 24 April 1731) was an English writer, merchant and spy. He is most famous for his novel ''Robinson Crusoe'', published in 1719, which is claimed to be second only to the Bible in its number of translati ...
wrote in his 1748 travel guide that: :"Idlestrey or Elstre, is a Village on the Roman Watling-street, on the very Edge of Middlesex; but it is chiefly noted for its Situation, near Brockly-hill, by Stanmore, which affords a lovely View cross Middlesex, over the Thames, into Surry." In 1811, topographer Daniel Lysons writes: :"The name of this place has been variously written; — Eaglestree, Elstree, Ilstrye, Idlestrye, etc. Norden says that it is called, in Offa's grant to the Abbey of St. Alban's, Eaglestree, that is, says he, "''Nemus aquilinum'', a 'place where it may be thought that eagles bred in time past'." It has been derived also from Idel-street, i.e. the noble road; and Ill-street, the decayed road. May it not have been, rather, a corruption of Eald-street, the old road, i.e. the ancient Watling-street, upon which it is situated?"


5th century: Battle of Ailestreu (Elstree)

In the 5th century,
British British may refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. * British national identity, the characteristics of British people and culture ...
warlord
Vortigern Vortigern (; , ; ; ; Old Breton: ''Gurdiern'', ''Gurthiern''; ; , , , etc.), also spelled Vortiger, Vortigan, Voertigern and Vortigen, was a 5th-century warlord in Sub-Roman Britain, Britain, known perhaps as a king of the Britons or at least ...
and his two sons,
Vortimer Vortimer (Old Welsh Guorthemir, ), also known as Saint Vortimer (,  "Vortimer the Blessed"), is a figure in Matter of Britain, British tradition, a son of the 5th-century Britons (historical), Britonnic ruler Vortigern. He is remembered for ...
and Catigern, took part in the Battle of Elstree, then called the Battle of Ailestreu, where the Saxon
Horsa Hengist (, ) and Horsa are legendary Germanic peoples, Germanic brothers who according to later English legends and ethnogenesis theories led the Angles (tribe), Angles, Saxons and Jutes, the progenitor groups of modern English people, in thei ...
was killed. It's possible there is confusion with the Battle of Aylesbury. George Moberly writes: :"
Nennius Nennius – or Nemnius or Nemnivus – was a Welsh monk of the 9th century. He has traditionally been attributed with the authorship of the ''Historia Brittonum'', based on the prologue affixed to that work. This attribution is widely considered ...
, MHB p. 69, calls the place of battle where Hors fell Episford; Britannicè 'Sathenegabail' = the Saxon battle. The Saxon Chronicle, ad a. 455, calls it Ægæles-threp, and
Henry of Huntingdon Henry of Huntingdon (; 1088 – 1157), the son of a canon in the diocese of Lincoln, was a 12th-century English historian and the author of ''Historia Anglorum'' (Medieval Latin for "History of the English"), as "the most important Anglo- ...
, M.H.B. p. 708, Ailestreu. This would naturally be Elstree, of which name there is a place in Herts; but Beda's description of its situation has caused it rather to be referred to
Aylesford Aylesford is a village and civil parish on the River Medway in Kent, England, northwest of Maidstone. Originally a small riverside settlement, the old village comprises around 60 houses, many of which were formerly shops. Two pubs, a villa ...
in Kent, near which is a small village called Horsted."


16th–18th centuries

The Manor of Elstree was formerly included in the Manor of Parkbury, and belonged to the Abbey of St. Albans. On the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it was granted by
Henry VIII Henry VIII (28 June 149128 January 1547) was King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547. Henry is known for his Wives of Henry VIII, six marriages and his efforts to have his first marriage (to Catherine of Aragon) annulled. ...
, to Anthony Denny (1501–1549).Daniel Lysons, ''The Environs of London: Counties of Herts, Essex & Kent. Volume 4 of The Environs of London: Being an Historical Account of the Towns, Villages and Hamlets, Within Twelve Miles of that Capital'', Publisher T. Cadell, 1796
page 25
In 1607, Anthony Denny's grandson Edward Denny sold part of the estate, with all manorial rights, to Robert Briscoe, who sold it the same year to Sir Baptist Hicks. Part of the estate became the Manor of Boreham, and was sold to Edward Beauchamp. It remained with the Beauchamp-Proctor family until 1748, when it was sold to James West, M.P. for St. Albans, who, in or about 1751, alienated it to a Mr Gulston of Widdial. Gulston then sold it to a Mr Pigfatt, a gunsmith, who, within a few years, conveyed it to Thomas Jemmet. In 1774 it was purchased from Mr Jemmet by the late George Byng, M.P. for Middlesex, who passed it on to his son, by which time the estate was called the Manor of Boreham. In 1776, the House of Lords granted: :"An Act for dividing and closing the Common or Waste Ground, called Boreham Wood Common, in the Parish of Elstree otherwise Idletree, in the County of Hertford." In 1796 topographer Daniel Lysons writes: :"The parish of Elstree contains about 3,000 acres of land, which is divided between arable and pasture nearly in an equal proportion. The soil is, for the most part, clay. Boreham Wood, a waste of nearly 700 acres, was inclosed about the year 1778, and is now in culture. This parish pays the sum of £151 11s 0d to the land-tax, which is raised by a rate of about 1s 9d in the pound".


Transport


Elstree and Borehamwood railway station

Elstree & Borehamwood railway station is on the
Midland Main Line The Midland Main Line (MML), sometimes also spelt Midland Mainline, is a major Rail transport in Great Britain, railway line from London to Sheffield in Yorkshire via the East Midlands. It comprises the lines from London's St Pancras railway ...
between London St Pancras and
Bedford Bedford is a market town in Bedfordshire, England. At the 2011 Census, the population was 106,940. Bedford is the county town of Bedfordshire and seat of the Borough of Bedford local government district. Bedford was founded at a ford (crossin ...
. It was built by the
Midland Railway The Midland Railway (MR) was a railway company in the United Kingdom from 1844 in rail transport, 1844. The Midland was one of the largest railway companies in Britain in the early 20th century, and the largest employer in Derby, where it had ...
in 1868, and is located just north of the Elstree Tunnels. The area of Borehamwood to the west of the railway line, formally Deacon's Hill, is colloquially called ''Elstree'' even though it is not contiguous with the village. Elstree South Underground station was due to be an extension of the
Northern line The Northern line is a London Underground line that runs between North London and South London. It is printed in black on the Tube map. It carries more passengers per year than any other Underground linearound 340million in 2019making it the bu ...
, planned in the 1930s, but never completed.


Road links

The old
A5 road A5 Road may refer to: ;Africa * A5 highway (Nigeria), a road connecting Lagos and Ibadan * A5 road (Zimbabwe), a road connecting Harare and Bulawayo ;Americas * Quebec Autoroute 5, a road in Quebec, Canada * County Route A5 (California) or Bowm ...
(
Watling Street Watling Street is a historic route in England, running from Dover and London in the southeast, via St Albans to Wroxeter. The road crosses the River Thames at London and was used in Classical Antiquity, Late Antiquity, and throughout the M ...
) goes through Elstree village, where it is designated as the A5183 road. Through the village, the road is called (from south to north) Elstree Hill South, High Street and Elstree Hill North. The 18th century Grade II listed building, Elstree Hill House, is still on Elstree Hill South, and used to be the home of the old Elstree School (see Schools). In the early 1900s, it was noted that: :".. the hill roads are remarkably direct and seldom curve to avoid the steep pitch, and it has been suggested that the roads were originally slides for the timber which used to be sent to London for fuel."


Elstree Aerodrome

Elstree Aerodrome is licensed by the CAA and has a paved runway, suitable most for light aircraft and turbine powered G A aircraft. It also is one of the main helicopter centres for north London and is extending its provision in this area. In the early 1930s it was a grass landing strip for the local Aldenham House country club. A concrete runway was put down during
World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
, and Wellington Bombers were modified here. After World War II the airfield was initially used to fly in converted Halifaxes stacked with food supplies to supplement the depleted British stocks; however, after an overloaded plane damaged the runway it was no longer used for this purpose. On 29 November 1975, retired
Formula One Formula One (F1) is the highest class of worldwide racing for open-wheel single-seater formula Auto racing, racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA Formula One World Championship has been one ...
race car driver and Embassy Hill car owner Graham Hill and his racing driver Tony Brise were piloting a twin-engine six-seat Piper PA-23-250 Aztec (N6645Y) from France to London with four additional team members aboard. All six were killed when it crashed and burned in heavy fog on Arkley Golf Course, short of the runway.


London Transport works

London Transport's Aldenham Works was sited on the edge of Elstree close to the A41; it was opened in 1956, closed in 1986, and demolished in 1996. It is now a large business park.


Elstree Grange

Originally a 19th-century steam ship owned by the Houlder Brothers, the town also lends its name to a series of ships called the Elstree Grange (rebuilt 1916, 1944, 1979), at one time sunk during the
Second World War World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
.


Buildings


Grade II listed buildings

Elstree is home to a number of Grade II listed buildings, including some at Grade II* (particularly important buildings), such as: *Holly Bush public house (15th century) *
Aldenham House Aldenham House is an English country house in Elstree, just south-east of Aldenham village and west of Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England. It was the seat of the Gibbs family, who were the Baron Aldenham, Barons Aldenham, and is now a main build ...
and stable block (c.1672) *''The Leys'', built in 1901 by Scottish architect and designer, George Henry Walton.


The Manor hotel

The Manor hotel, formerly known as the Edgwarebury Hotel, is located on Barnet Lane. The Tudor-style building dates back to 1540, was converted into a hotel in the 1960s, and has featured in many TV and film productions, such as the 1968
Hammer Horror Hammer Film Productions Ltd. is a British film production company based in London. Founded in 1934, the company is best known for a series of Gothic horror and fantasy films made from the mid-1950s until the 1970s. Many of these involve classi ...
classic, '' The Devil Rides Out''. Notable guests have included
Peter Sellers Peter Sellers (born Richard Henry Sellers; 8 September 1925 – 24 July 1980) was an English actor and comedian. He first came to prominence performing in the BBC Radio comedy series ''The Goon Show''. Sellers featured on a number of hit comi ...
,
Tom Cruise Thomas Cruise Mapother IV (born July 3, 1962) is an American actor and film producer. Regarded as a Cinema of the United States, Hollywood icon, he has received List of awards and nominations received by Tom Cruise, various accolades, includ ...
,
John Cleese John Marwood Cleese ( ; born 27 October 1939) is an English actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and Television presenter, presenter. Emerging from the Footlights, Cambridge Footlights in the 1960s, he first achieved success at the Edinbur ...
and
Stanley Kubrick Stanley Kubrick (; July 26, 1928 – March 7, 1999) was an American filmmaker and photographer. Widely considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Stanley Kubrick filmography, his films were nearly all adaptations of novels or sho ...
. It was the country home of armaments manufacturer and First Baronet Sir (Arthur) Trevor Dawson, (1866–1931).Richard Davenport-Hines, 'Dawson, Sir (Arthur) Trevor, first baronet (1866–1931)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, May 200
accessed 21 September 2011
/ref>


Other buildings

A house in Elstree designed by architect Edward John May (1853–1941) was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1887. St Nicholas Parish Church was designed by English architect Philip Charles Hardwick.


Schools

Elstree is home to Aldenham School, and Haberdashers' Boys' School, both independent public schools (ie. fee-paying), Haberdashers' School for Girls, and St Nicholas Church of England Primary School. Just outside of Elstree, in the neighbouring town of Borehamwood, are a number of schools. There are Hertswood Academy and Elstree Screen Arts Academy, the vocational school linked with Elstree Studios. There is also a Jewish high school called Yavneh College, Borehamwood. Yavneh was set up in 2013 by Dr Dena Coleman, ex-headteacher of Hasmonean High School. Dr Coleman was also a board-member of the Jewish National Fund. Just before her retirement in 2013, Dr Coleman died of
meningitis Meningitis is acute or chronic inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, collectively called the meninges. The most common symptoms are fever, intense headache, vomiting and neck stiffness and occasion ...
. Yavneh College has subsequently been headed up by Spencer Lewis, ex-head teacher of King Solomon High School. The Yavneh Schools governors have also opened a primary school on the Hillside Avenue campuses.


Earlier schools

Since the 1780s, a private school has been located in Elstree.Donald P. Leinster-Mackay, ''The rise of the English prep school'', Publisher: Taylor & Francis, 1984, , , 398 pages.
page 28
Elstree School, a boys' preparatory school, was located in Elstree from 1848 until 1938 before moving to Woolhampton,
Berkshire Berkshire ( ; abbreviated ), officially the Royal County of Berkshire, is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in South East England. It is bordered by Oxfordshire to the north, Buckinghamshire to the north-east, Greater London ...
before the outbreak of the
Second World War World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
. Hillside School was located in Elstree between 1874 and 1886, before eventually becoming Dorset House School in 1905, (not to be confused with Hillside School in nearby Borehamwood).


Recreation


Sport

Elstree Cricket Club was formed in 1878, but no longer play in the Herts Saracens League. 18-hole Radlett Park Golf Club was founded in 1984, having recently being renamed from Elstree Golf & Country Club. It is closer to Elstree than Radlett. Hatch End Cricket Club also play in Elstree. They participate in the Herts Saracens League.


Leisure

Section 15 of the
London Outer Orbital Path The London Outer Orbital Path—more usually the "London LOOP"—is a 150-mile (242 km) signed walk along Rights of way in England and Wales, public footpaths, and through parks, woods and fields around the edge of Outer London, Englan ...
(London Loop) goes through Elstree,London Loop: Section 15 Hatch End to Elstree" route details, at Transport for London Website. Retrieved 22 September 2011
/ref> before continuing as Section 16, a 10-mile (16 km) walk from Elstree to Cockfosters.


Synagogues

Elstree was home to Ohr Yisrael Synagogue, an Orthodox synagogue with affiliation to the Federation of Synagogues. However, the synagogue's present location is just within Borehamwood. The village currently sports two synagogues: The Shtiebel, an ultra-orthodox synagogue, and The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, just south of St. Nicholas' Church. According to census data, Elstree's population, including the Deacon's Hill area, was 36.0% Jewish, making it the only settlement with a Jewish plurality in the UK (the Christian population comprised 32.4% of the population). There are also two United Synagogue shuls in the area. One is on Croxdale Road and the other is at Yavneh College, Borehamwood.


Parks

Aldenham Country Park is both a recreational facility and a breeding centre for rare livestock. Section 15 of the London Loop walk passes by. In 1873 nearby Tykes Water stream was dammed to create Tykes Water lake. Tykes Water Bridge features in the open credits to the
Peter Cushing Peter Wilton Cushing (26 May 1913 – 11 August 1994) was an English actor. His acting career spanned over six decades and included appearances in more than 100 films, as well as many television, stage and radio roles. He achieved recognition f ...
and Christopher Lee film, '' Dracula A.D. 1972'', and used in several episodes of the
Diana Rigg Dame Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg (20 July 1938 – 10 September 2020) was an English actress of stage and screen. Her roles include Emma Peel in the TV series ''The Avengers (TV series), The Avengers'' (1965–1968); Countess Tracy Bond, Teresa di ...
and Linda Thorson seasons of ''The Avengers'', including the final Thorson opening titles. It also features in the film '' Mosquito Squadron''.


Elstree Reservoir

The dam was built in 1795 by French prisoners of war. English watercolour landscape painter John Hassell writes: :"At the top of Stanmore Hill we enter on Bushy Heath, and at some distance on the right in the valley catch a view of the celebrated reservoir, the property of the Grand Junction Company, on Aidenham Common, at the foot of the village of Elstree. This noble sheet of water occupies a space of considerable extent on the verge of Aidenham Common, which thirty years ago was a barren waste; here the improvements in agriculture are indeed conspicuous, for at this place a poor, sandy, meagre, wretched soil has now by good husbandry been converted into rich pasturage. :"The reservoir has all the appearance of a lake; and when the timber that surrounds it shall have arrived at maturity, it will be a most delightful spot. From this immense sheet of water, in event of drought or a deficiency of upland waters, the lower parts of the Grand Junction and the Paddington Canals can have an immediate supply. The feeder from this reservoir enters the main stream near Rickmansworth, above Batchworth Mills, and supplies the millers' below with 300 locks of water, to whose interest the Duke of Northumberland is a perpetual trustee." In 1886, the Photographic Society of Great Britain featured an exhibition of photos of Elstree Reservoir by Edgar Clifton. During
World War I World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...
, then Major Keith Caldwell with No. 74 Squadron RAF, used Elstree Reservoir for target practice. In 1918, one of the pilots accidentally killed a local resident when his machine gun misfired.


Murders


Martha Ray murder

In 1779, Martha Ray (c. 1742–1779), singer and mistress of
John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, Privy Council of Great Britain, PC, Fellow of the Royal Society, FRS (13 November 1718 – 30 April 1792) was a British politician, statesman who succeeded his grandfather Edward Montagu, 3rd Earl of Sandwic ...
, was buried in the parish church (illustrated, right) after she had been shot dead by the Rev.
James Hackman James Hackman (baptized 13 December 1752, hanged 19 April 1779), briefly Rector (ecclesiastical), Rector of Wiveton in Norfolk, was the man who murdered Martha Ray, singer and mistress of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich.Rawlings, Philip, ''Ha ...
, Rector of Wiveton in Norfolk.


The Elstree murder of William Weare

In 1823 Elstree became notorious for the Elstree murder of William Weare, killed in Radlett and the body disposed of in a pond in Elstree by John Thurtell. The incident was recalled by
Charles Dickens Charles John Huffam Dickens (; 7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870) was an English novelist, journalist, short story writer and Social criticism, social critic. He created some of literature's best-known fictional characters, and is regarded by ...
in his ''Weekly Journal''. An inquest of the deceased was held on 31 October by county coroner Benjamin Rooke at the local Artichoke public house. He was likewise buried (funeral depicted) at the Parish Church.


The Elstree murder of Eliza Ebborn

On 17 August 1882, Eliza Ebborn of
Watford Watford () is a town and non-metropolitan district with Borough status in the United Kingdom, borough status in Hertfordshire, England, northwest of Central London, on the banks of the River Colne, Hertfordshire, River Colne. Initially a smal ...
was murdered by 24-year-old
shoemaker Shoemaking is the process of making footwear. Originally, shoes were made one at a time by hand, often by groups of shoemakers, or '' cordwainers'' (sometimes misidentified as cobblers, who repair shoes rather than make them). In the 18th cen ...
George Stratton, who was subsequently sentenced to death. She was buried at Elstree Parish Church.


Administrative districts

Elstree used to be divided between the counties of Hertfordshire and
Middlesex Middlesex (; abbreviation: Middx) is a Historic counties of England, former county in South East England, now mainly within Greater London. Its boundaries largely followed three rivers: the River Thames, Thames in the south, the River Lea, Le ...
. The north part (which included the parish of Elstree) lay in the
Hundred 100 or one hundred (Roman numerals, Roman numeral: C) is the natural number following 99 (number), 99 and preceding 101 (number), 101. In mathematics 100 is the square of 10 (number), 10 (in scientific notation it is written as 102). The standar ...
of Cashio, also known as the Liberty of St Albans, while the south part lay in the Hundred of Gore. The county boundary ran along the road from Watford to Barnet, now called Barnet Lane.


Elstree Rural District

From 1941 to 1974, Elstree Rural District was the local government area, before being abolished and merged with
Hertsmere Hertsmere is a local government district with borough status in Hertfordshire, England. Its council is based in Borehamwood. Other settlements in the borough include Bushey, Elstree, Radlett and Potters Bar. The borough contains several fi ...
. On 20 March 1957, Armorial Bearings were granted. The arms and crest are described as follows: :The background of royal ermine, represents the royal visits to and associations with the district, principally the visit of Henry VIII and his court to Tyttenhanger in 1525 to avoid the "sweatinge sicknesse" and the visits of Charles II to Salisbury Hall in Shenley. The oak tree with the Saxon crown represents Saxon Elstree – "Tidwulf's tree" – around which the district has grown. The tree also represents Boreham Wood and the district's woodlands, the gold acorns symbolize growth and prosperity. The waves at the base represent the River Colne, Aldenham Reservoir and link with the waves in the arms of the Hertfordshire CC and the Greater London Council.The gold saltire on blue is from the arms of the Abbey of St. Albans, the manor of Elstree came into the possession of the Abbey in 1188, and Tyttenhanger in Ridge stands on the site of a former possession of the Abbey, and the whole area lies in the Liberty of St. Albans. The scallop shells, the badge of pilgrims, recalls their passage along Watling Street through Elstree to St. Albans. :The hart is from one of the supporters of the County Council arms, wearing a mural crown, symbol of civic government. The spool of film (unique in civic heraldry) recalls the industry which had made the name of Elstree and Boreham Wood so widely known in modern times. :The motto is taken from the wall of Shenley Cage, and also links with the County motto "Trust and fear not". "


Clubs, societies and organisations

* Elstree and Borehamwood History Society (inc. Elstree and Borehamwood Museum) * Elstree, Borehamwood & Radlett mencap Society * Elstree Golf & Country Club


In popular culture

* Elstree is replicated as a part of one of three maps is based in the game '' Urban Dead''. The "
Borehamwood Borehamwood (, historically also Boreham Wood) is a town in southern Hertfordshire, England, from Charing Cross. Borehamwood has a population of 36,322, and is within the London commuter belt. The town's film and TV studios are commonly know ...
" map was released as part of the promotional campaign for the release of British writer
Charlie Brooker Charlton ‘Charlie’ Brooker (born 3 March 1971) is an English screenwriter, producer, presenter, author, cartoonist, and social critic. He first became known for creating and presenting satirical television shows that featured biting criticis ...
's '' Dead Set''. * " Elstree" is also the title of a song about the film studio by
the Buggles The Buggles are an English New wave music, new wave band formed in London in 1977 by singer and bassist Trevor Horn and keyboardist Geoff Downes. They are best known for their 1979 debut single "Video Killed the Radio Star", which topped the UK ...
on their 1979 album '' The Age of Plastic''. * St. Nicholas Church in Elstree featured in an investigation of paranormal investigation.


Notable residents

* John Baxter (1896–1975), film director and producer, lived at ''Aldahvu'', Elstree * Ephraim Beauchamp (d.1728) Baronet and lord of the Manor of Boreham in the parish of Elstree. * Gerry Blattner (1913–1992 approx.), film producer and studio executive, lived at The Chantry, Barnet Lane, Elstree in the 1960s. * Ludwig Blattner (1881–1935), film producer and studio owner, lived in Elstree from about 1928 until his suicide at Elstree Golf & Country Club. * John Boyle (1563–1620), Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Rector of Elstree (before 1610). * Ralph Terence St John-Brooks (1884–1963), bacteriologist, was stationed at the Lister Institute's National Collection of Type Cultures. * Francis Burton M.D. (d.1828), uncle of Richard Francis Burton, military surgeon who made Napoleon's Death Mask, lived at Barham House, and is buried in Elstree parish church. *
Richard Francis Burton Captain (British Army and Royal Marines), Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton, Order of St Michael and St George, KCMG, Royal Geographical Society#Fellowship, FRGS, (19 March 1821 – 20 October 1890) was a British explorer, army officer, orien ...
(1821–1890), explorer who lived at Barham House in Elstree when he was a child. * George Byng, Esq. M.P. for Middlesex, resident of Elstree Manor. * Rev. Philip Caraman (1911–1998), Jesuit, lived at The Grange on the corner of Allum Lane and Deacons Hill Road. * Hussein Chalayan, fashion designer was brought up in The Rise * Tom Chatto (1920–1982), actor, brought up in Elstree. * Dame Harriette Chick (1875–1977), nutritionist, tested and bottled
tetanus Tetanus (), also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection caused by ''Clostridium tetani'' and characterized by muscle spasms. In the most common type, the spasms begin in the jaw and then progress to the rest of the body. Each spasm usually l ...
antitoxin An antitoxin is an antibody with the ability to neutralize a specific toxin. Antitoxins are produced by certain animals, plants, and bacterium, bacteria in response to toxin exposure. Although they are most effective in neutralizing toxins, the ...
for the army in 1915. * Muzio Clementi (1752-1832), pianist, composer and businessman. He resided in Elstree from 1823 to 1828. *
Joan Collins Dame Joan Henrietta Collins (born 23 May 1933) is an English actress, author and columnist. She is the recipient of several accolades, including a Golden Globe Awards, a People's Choice Award, two Soap Opera Digest Awards and a Primetime Emm ...
, actress and author, lived in Barnet Lane, while married to
Anthony Newley Anthony Newley (24 September 1931 – 14 April 1999) was an English actor, director, comedian, singer, and composer. A "latter-day British Al Jolson", he achieved widespread success in song, and on stage and screen. "One of Broadway's greatest ...
, singer, actor and film composer. * Samuel Tertius Cowan (1905–1976), bacteriologist, curator of the National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC) at the Lister Institute. *
Simon Cowell Simon Phillip Cowell (; born 7 October 1959) is an English television personality and businessman. He has judged on the British television talent competition shows ''Pop Idol'' (2001–2003), ''The X Factor (British TV series), The X Factor UK ...
, the
American Idol ''American Idol'' is an American Music competition, singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, produced by Fremantle (company), Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle North America. It a ...
and
X Factor ''The X Factor'' is a television music competition franchise created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company Syco Entertainment. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for '' Pop Idol'' (2001–200 ...
judge, was brought up in Elstree. * Sir (Arthur) Trevor Dawson, first baronet (1866–1931), armaments manufacturer, lived at Edgewarebury House. * Colonel John Drinkwater, the historian of the Siege of Gibraltar, had his family seat at Palmer's Lodge, (now called Radnor Hall) * Anthony Denny, Esq (1501–1549), resident of the Manor of Elstree. * Sir Edward Denny (1796–1889) composer, resident of Manor of Elstree. * James Elphinston (1721–1809) Scottish educator, moved to Elstree in 1792. *
Percy Everett Sir Percy Winn Everett (22 April 1870 – 23 February 1952) was an English editor-in-chief for the publisher C. Arthur Pearson Limited and a Scouter who became The Boy Scouts Association's Deputy Chief Scout.T. C. Sharma, ''Scouting As A Co ...
(1870–1952), became the first Scoutmaster of the 1st Elstree Scout group on 13 March 1908, was Deputy Chief Scout for Great Britain, and lived at Schopwick Place in Elstree. * Andrew Feldman (b. 1966),
Conservative Conservatism is a cultural, social, and political philosophy and ideology that seeks to promote and preserve traditional institutions, customs, and values. The central tenets of conservatism may vary in relation to the culture and civiliza ...
politician appointed to the Lords, known as Baron Feldman of Elstree. * Cecil Ford (1913–1994) cricketer, was born in Elstree. * Vicary Gibbs (1853–1932), genealogist and gardener, lived at Aldenham House. *
Lew Grade Lew Grade, Baron Grade, (born Lev Winogradsky; 25 December 1906 – 13 December 1998) was a Ukrainian-born British media proprietor and impresario. Originally a dancer, and later a talent agent, Grade's interest in television production ...
(1906–1998), TV producer given a
life peerage In the United Kingdom, life peers are appointed members of the peerage whose titles cannot be inherited, in contrast to hereditary peers. Life peers are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister. With the exception of the D ...
, was known as Baron Grade of Elstree. * Thomas Greenwood (1851–1908), public libraries promoter, died at Frith Knowl, Elstree. *
James Hackman James Hackman (baptized 13 December 1752, hanged 19 April 1779), briefly Rector (ecclesiastical), Rector of Wiveton in Norfolk, was the man who murdered Martha Ray, singer and mistress of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich.Rawlings, Philip, ''Ha ...
(1752–1779), murderer of Martha Ray, was buried in Elstree Parish Church. * Sir Harry Hague (1881–1960), managing director of A. Wander Ltd, the company who made Ovaltine, lived at The Chantry, Barnet Lane, Elstree. * David Willis Wilson Henderson (1903–1968), immunologist, worked at the Lister Institute. * Thomas Knox, 2nd Earl of Ranfurly M.P. (1786–1858) Member of Parliament (1820–1832) resided at Barham House, Elstree. *
Stanley Kubrick Stanley Kubrick (; July 26, 1928 – March 7, 1999) was an American filmmaker and photographer. Widely considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Stanley Kubrick filmography, his films were nearly all adaptations of novels or sho ...
(1928-1999), film director. Lived on Barnet Lane. * Sir John Charles Grant Ledingham (1875–1944), bacteriologist, worked at the Lister Institute. * Paul Lester, music journalist. * Ian Livingston, chief executive officer of
BT Group BT Group plc (formerly British Telecom) is a British Multinational corporation, multinational telecommunications holding company headquartered in London, England. It has operations in around 180 countries and is the largest provider of fixed-li ...
. * William Macready (1793–1873), actor, lived at Elm Place, Elstree. * John Henry Marks (b. 1925) General Practitioner and Chairman of the
British Medical Association The British Medical Association (BMA) is a registered trade union and professional body for physician, doctors in the United Kingdom. It does not regulate or certify doctors, a responsibility which lies with the General Medical Council. The BMA ...
, lived on Barnet Lane. *
Archer John Porter Martin Archer John Porter Martin (1 March 1910 – 28 July 2002) was a British chemist who shared the 1952 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the invention of partition chromatography with Richard Synge. Early life Martin's father was a GP. Martin was e ...
(1910–2002), Nobel Prize winning biochemist, worked at the Lister Institute, and lived at Abbotsbury on Barnet Lane. * Walter Thomas James Morgan (1900–2003), biochemist. worked at the Lister Institute. * Air Vice-Marshal Sir David Munro, K.C.B., C.I.E., LL.D., M.B., F.R.C.S.Ed. (1878–1952) *
Anna Neagle Dame Florence Marjorie Wilcox (''née'' Robertson; 20 October 1904 – 3 June 1986), known professionally as Anna Neagle, was an English stage and film actress, singer, and dancer. She was a successful box-office draw in British cinema for 2 ...
and her film director husband
Herbert Wilcox Herbert Sydney Wilcox Order of the British Empire, CBE (19 April 1890 – 15 May 1977) was a British film producer and film director, director. He was one of the most successful British filmmakers from the 1920s to the 1950s. He is best know ...
lived at the junction of Deacons Hill Road and Barnet Lane during her years as a film star. * Richard Tauber, tenor, and his actress-wife Diana Napier lived at the Villa Capri from 1936 to 1940. It was later demolished to form a new residential development, called Tauber Close. * Frank Podmore (1856–1910) author and founding member of the
Fabian Society The Fabian Society () is a History of the socialist movement in the United Kingdom, British socialist organisation whose purpose is to advance the principles of social democracy and democratic socialism via gradualist and reformist effort in ...
was born in Elstree. * Martha Ray (c.1742–1779), singer murdered by
James Hackman James Hackman (baptized 13 December 1752, hanged 19 April 1779), briefly Rector (ecclesiastical), Rector of Wiveton in Norfolk, was the man who murdered Martha Ray, singer and mistress of John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich.Rawlings, Philip, ''Ha ...
, buried in Elstree Parish Church. * Horatio Sharpe (1718–1790), army officer and Proprietary Governor of Maryland, buried at Elstree Parish Church. * Winston Smith, spaniel dog breeder. * Henry Hurd Swinnerton (1875–1966), zoologist and geologist, lived and died at the Headmaster's House, Haberdashers' Aske's School. * James Booker Blakemore Wellington (1858–1939) photographer, died in Elstree in 1939. * James West, Esq. MP for
St Albans St Albans () is a cathedral city in Hertfordshire, England, east of Hemel Hempstead and west of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Hatfield, north-west of London, south-west of Welwyn Garden City and south-east of Luton. St Albans was the first major ...
, resident of Elstree Manor. * Jeremiah White (1629–1707), nonconformist minister, preached at Elstree in 1669.E.C. Vernon, 'White, Jeremiah (1629–1707)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 200
accessed 25 September 2011
/ref>


Climate


References


Bibliography


Books

* Richard Riding and Grant Peerless, ''Elstree Aerodrome: The Past in Pictures'', The History Press Ltd (26 November 2003), , , 192 pages. * Robert Bard, ''Elstree and Borehamwood Past'', Publisher: Phillimore & Company, Limited, 2006, , , 128 pages * Stephen A. Castle, William Brooks, ''The Book of Elstree & Boreham Wood'', Publisher: Barracuda Press, 1988, , , 136 pages * G. R. T. Eales, ''A Lecture on the history of Elstree'', Publisher: Scott, Greenwood & Son, 1922 * Anthony Frewin, John Mansbridge, ''Elstree & Boreham Wood through two thousand years'', Publisher: Ann and
Lionel Leventhal Lionel Leventhal is a British publisher of books on military history and related topics, whose eponymous company was established in 1967. History After working in a bookshop (1954–1956), Leventhal joined the publishing company of Herbert Je ...
, 1974, , , 47 pages. * Paul Welsh, ''Elstree and Borehamwood in Old Picture Postcards'', , , 80 pages. * J. Roy Avery, ''The Elstree murder'', Publisher: Haberdasher's Aske's School, 1963, 19 pages. * Thomas Burke, ''Murder at Elstree: or, Mr. Thurtell and his gig'', Publisher: Longmans, Green and co., 1936, 177 pages * ''Elstree Rural District: official guide'', Forward Publicity Limited, Edition 9, illustrated, Publisher: Home Pub., 1972. , . 72 pages. * William Hawtayne, ''A sermon preach'd at Elstree in Hertfordshire, on the twentieth of January 1714''. Mr. Hawtayne's thanksgiving-sermon on 20 January 1714. Printed for Tim Goodwin. 20 pages. * Franklyn de Winton Lushington, ''Sermons to young boys delivered at Elstree school'', Publ. 1898. Republished Kessinger Publishing LLC 2010. , . * ''The first register book of the parish church of Elstree, 1655–1757'', Translated by Arthur R. T. Eales, publisher: pr.by Coombes, 1914, 76 pages. * I. C. M. Sanderson, ''A history of Elstree School and three generations of the Sanderson family'', Publisher Elstree School, 1978. * John Hill, ''Hertfordshire Militia Lists: Elstree & Shenley'', Issue ML 102 of Militia Series, Publ. Hertfordshire Family & Population History Society, 2000, , , 13 pages * ''An Illustrated Guide to the Elstree Country Club, Elstree, Herts'', publ. Elstree Country Club, 1950, 12 pages. (at the British Library). Retrieved 22 September 2011.


Journals

* "Medieval Pottery From Elstree, Otterspool & Prehsi", Academic Journal Offprint From ''St. Albans Architectural And Archaeological Society Transactions'' (1961) * Renn, Derek F, "Further finds of medieval pottery from Elstree: with a survey of unglazed thumb-pressed jugs", ''Hertfordshire Archaeology'' 1968, pp. 124–7 * Stephen Castle and Michael Hammerons, "Excavations Elstree, Middlesex, 1974-6". At Archaeology Data Service Website. Retrieved 22 September 2011


External links

*
Parishes: Elstree
, A History of the County of Hertford: volume 2 (1908), pp. 349–51. *
Elstree
, The Environs of London: volume 4: Counties of Herts, Essex & Kent (1796), pp. 24–8. * Archaeology Data Service:
Archsearch

Elstree Village
at BBC Domesday Project online. Retrieved 22 September 2011
Elstree Church records
at the London Family History Centre. *
Elstree with Boreham Wood
1855 Post Office Directory, via Historical Directories *
Elstree with Boreham Wood
1894 Kelly's Directory of Essex, Herts & Middx
Elstree and Borehamwood Residents Association (EBRA)
{{authority control Villages in Hertfordshire Hertsmere