Description

Rickmansworth is an attractive small town in south-west Hertfordshire with its origins as farmsteads owned by the Abbey of St Albans. From this time (in the early 15th century) a Great Barn was built and which can still be visited and explored. In later centuries, sitting on a road that became a route to the north, and with the coming of the Grand Union Canal and the Metropolitan railway line, the town grew and churches, schools, public houses, almshouses and grand houses were built - and many have survived. Nearby are manor houses and country mansions including a magnificent 18th century Palladian mansion, Moor Park, owned by earls and admirals. In 1944 Moor Park, having been taken over by the army, became the planning headquarters for the air assault on Arnhem. Rickmansworth and its surrounding area also became famous as 'Metroland', praised for its suburban charm in poems by John Betjeman. Around Rickmansworth are attractive areas and villages - Moor Park, Croxley, Chorleywood and Sarratt - each with their own distinctive character and buildings - churches, schools, country houses, pubs, mills (including a windmill), canal locks and wharfs. This history of 50 buildings in the Rickmansworth area - illustrated with fine new photographs - will appeal to local residents and to every reader with an interest in Britain's domestic architecture and local history.