Shenley is a leafy village and civil parish located immediately east of Radlett.
Its Saxon name is taken from ‘Scheonley’, which means ‘fair clearing in the forest’.
Shenley is positioned between St Albans and Barnet in the Hertsmere district with a Radlett post code of (WD7). The parish of Shenley is located south of the county along the Middlesex border.
Property
Shenley is a mostly residential area offering a good mix of properties, with semi-detached houses being the most commonly-sold over the past year, according to Rightmove; the average semi sold for £518,996 during 2016, just under the area-wide average of £526,826.
Unusually for Hertfordshire, average property prices have dipped a little in Shenley in recent years, and are down 7 per cent on 2014.
Homes currently on the market in the village include a six-bed house – a wing of Grade II listed Shenley Manor – for £1.95m, a three-bed cottage on London Road (£635,000) and a one-bed flat on Hawksmoor (£220,000).
Landmarks and History
Shenley was an area ideal for the crafting of tiles and bricks due to the plenitude of desirable clay. The village was thought to be a thriving place to live.
Before St Peter’s church in London Colney, built in 1826, St Botolph’s church was the village parish church for hundreds of years. After the construction of the church many properties within Shenley became part of London Colney.
Due to the loss of congregation members, the Rector of Shenley, Thomas Newcombe, built another church in 1839; which is now the Parish church of Shenley - St Martin’s.
Based along the village pond is ‘the cage’, otherwise known as the ‘lock up’. This domed construction, with a single arched wooden door, was a provisional prison, until the local constable removed its inmates to be tried by the magistrates at Barnet court. The inscription ‘Do well. Fear not. Be sober. Be vigilant’ can be seen on the structure.
Education
Shenley Primary School is located in the centre of the village. It takes up to 45 children each year and currently has over 320 children on roll. According to the 2017 Ofsted report, the school ‘requires improvement’.
On the outskirts of the village is Clore Shalom, a single form entry Jewish primary school that teaches the National Curriculum alongside Jewish studies. The 2015 Ofsted considers Clore Shalom to be a school that requires improvement.
The closest state secondary schools include Hertswood Academy (‘good’) in Borehamwood and Samuel Ryder Academy (‘good’) in St Albans.
Fee-paying alternatives include Manor Lodge, an independent primary school for children aged 4-11 in Shenley. The prestigious Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ and Girls’ Schools are also nearby.
Transport Links
Transport links are good, with the M25 immediately east of the village and the M1 about 20 minutes away by car. The nearest train station is in Radlett, which is a seven minute drive, or a 20-30 minute bus ride.
Sports and Leisure
Shenley Park is a charming green space with an abundance of serene sites to enjoy on a day out. Play areas are available for children, along with a tea room for pleasant afternoon tea and local cuisine. There is also a Walled Garden to explore (weekdays only until Easter 2018), which dates back to the 16th century. Events are held at the park throughout the year, including open air concerts during the summer months and Apple Day in October.
The park is also the base for Shenley Village Cricket Club, which plays from the smart Cricket Centre. Outdoor nets practice is held for the senior members during the cricket season.
London Colney cricket club has been based in Shenley’s Green Street since 1994. The club is the base for the Shenley Colts for community support and interest. The club offers youth cricket training and activities throughout the year.
Eating out
The White Horse is a family-friendly pub located in the heart of the village. Open log fires, intimate lounging corners, and comfortable armchairs provide a welcoming setting from which to enjoy seasonal menus with selected wines, ales, and lagers.
King William IV is more of a traditional ‘locals’ pub, with TV sport and a small pub garden.
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