Important dates in the history of Lemsford Village

  • 1000AD
    The two roads from the village (which ran up to the Great North Road prior to the introduction of the motorway) have existed since about this time.
  • 1200
    There has been a mill on the present site since about this time.
  • 1700+
    The Laurie painting of the Mill House was made in 1777-1790
  • 1734
    The riverside cottages, now one house were built.
  • 1777
    The bridge over the river was built replacing the ford. In 1795 it collapsed in a flood and was rebuilt.
  • 1806
    Bridge House was built
  • 1833
    The Great North Road was re-routed and by-passed Lemsford Village.
  • 1841
    John Clare journeyed north along the Great North Road.
  • 1848/50
    The railway to Hatfield and beyond now in use.
  • 1859
    Newly completed St. John’s church was consecrated and the parish of Lemsford came into being. Chapel built?
  • 1863
    The ancient wooden-clad mill collapsed circa 1850 and was re-built.
  • 1872
    St. John’s was completed and the first pupils admitted on the 4th March.
  • 1906
    The Nurses Home (now Gosmore House) was opened.
  • 1927
    The bridge on the Great North Road over the River Lea was renewed and strengthened to take the increasing and heavier traffic. Welwyn by-pass built. Clock roundabout constructed. Hatfield by-pass took traffic away from the Old Town and passed Jack Oldings works.
  • 1962/63
    The main drainage and sewerage system included pumping station, was completed.
  • 1964
    Several cottages and the chapel were demolished to make room for a car park at the Long and Short Arm PH.
  • 1965
    Mill Close was opened.
  • 1966/7
    Construction of the A1(M) under way.
  • 1973
    A1(M) completed and fully open.
  • 2004
    Introduction of ‘humps’ on the village road surface as a traffic calming measure.
Published: December 2006
Author: Stan Borrie