Redbourn
The closely knit community spirit amongst its 6,000 population has earned the village of Redbourn a host of awards, from the regional and overall winner of Hertfordshire Village of the Year through to Hertfordshire Information Communication Technology winner in 2006, with commendations in the 2006 Campaign for the Preservation of Rural England environmental award category and the young peoples’ award category.
Along with its modern day achievements, Redbourn is also justly proud of its history. The Domesday Book suggests a well established and thriving agricultural community. Local artefacts from Roman times are on display in the museum located within the Silk Mill House, itself built in 1857. A diverse range of businesses has created employment for the local community and opportunities for the countless travellers along the old Roman Road. Redbourn has a tradition of farming and for a time had a successful watercress business. Silk throwing was carried out near Redbourn Common. Straw plaiting and straw bonnets were once produced in what is now the village hall. Other long term businesses such as the local saddle master and the cricket bat workroom still exist today.
60 local clubs and societies catering for almost every interest thrive in the village atmosphere. The common in Redbourn used to be a 9 hole golf course and cows grazed here until 1951. Now the prestigious Redbourn Golf Club lies a mile from Meadow View. Cricket too is an important aspect of village life, the first recorded match on the Common was in 1666. The Duke of Cumberland built a house here in 1743. This vast common remains as a wonderful amenity for local people and even features a nature trail.
The village boasts many historic buildings, including Cumberland House and St Mary’s Church with its Norman tower.
For modern learning, there are 4 schools in the area catering from Nursery to 6th form education. Rebourn has its own leisure centre with sports pitches, a fitness suite and a sports hall.
Today’s travellers prefer the M1 to the old Roman Road. Junction 9 is about a mile away. The Hertfordshire villages of Harpenden, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Luton and Dunstable are all with easy reach. For train travel to London, Harpenden Station is about 2 miles away. Redbourn, a village with a modern outlook and proud history.