Flamstead: 'A pretty village with a strong community spirit'

Located between Redbourn and Markyate, the village is home to around 1,300 residents as of the 2011 Census, and is known for its yearly scarecrow festival.

The first documented record of Flamstead was in 1006, and it is mentioned in the Domesday Book. In the middle ages Flamstead had its own market and fair.

In 2008, Channels 4's Time Team discovered a previously unknown major Roman Temple complex in the village,  which was likely associated with Verulamium (now St Albans).

An earlier building was constructed on the site during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, based on a coin found at the site dating back to 98 AD.

Many of the village's current buildings date from the 15th to 17th centuries, and the historic almshouses date back to 1669.

Although Flamstead falls under Dacorum council, it comes with an AL3 postcode. 

Property 

Flamstead has around 500 homes, 65 of which are listed buildings, including the almshouses.

However being surrounded by this much history and charm does not come cheap.

According to Rightmove, properties in Flamstead had an overall average price of £648,500 over the last year. 

The majority of sales in Flamstead during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £539,667. Detached properties sold for an average of £975,000. 

Of homes currently for sale in Flamstead, there is a six-bedroom detached property at Pie Corner for £1,250,000 and West View Cottage, a three-bedroom character property for £750,000. 

Church 

Historic St Leonard's Church lies at the very heart of the village.

The Grade I-listed parish church, which has stood for 900 years, was built on the site of a 9th century chapel.

St Leonard's present building was constructed during the Norman era, in 1140.

A recent £1m restoration project has helped save the 12th century building so it's preserved for future generations.

Flamstead Scarecrow Festival 

One of the highlights of the year, Flamstead Scarecrow Festival was first held in 2002, and celebrates the village's community spirit.

Villagers display an array of homemade scarecrows in their front gardens and around the village each August, with those with the most creative designs named the winners.

Members of the public are able to fill out forms each year to vote on their favourite scarecrow.

The festival raises money to support St Leonard’s Church, as well as other local charities and organisations. 

Schools 

Primary age pupils can attend Flamstead Village School in Trowley Hill Road, which is a half-form entry primary with a morning nursery. The school received a 'good' rating at its latest Ofsted inspection.

The nearest secondary school options are in Harpenden, which include Katherine Warington School, Roundwood Park School, St George's School and Sir John Lawes School.

There is also Beechwood Park School in nearby Markyate, which is a co-educational prep day and boarding school, welcoming boys and girls aged three to 13.

Leisure and amenities

Flamstead has a number of active groups and societies within the village.

Founded in 1875, Flamstead Cricket Club plays at their pitch in Friendless Lane.

The are was formerly home to three pubs, but The Three Blackbirds and The Spotted Dog - both in High Street - were forced to close due to rising costs.

The Three Blackbirds is currently advertised by Stonegate Group as seeking a new publican. 

The village's remaining pub is the quaint Rose & Crown in Trowley Bottom, and is described as "a gem of a small village pub" by CAMRA's Pub Heritage Group.

Travel 

Flamstead has surprisingly good transport links for such a rural village.

The M1 and London Luton Airport are situated near by, and the village has bus routes to Luton, Dunstable, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead.

The nearest train stations are in St Albans and Harpenden.

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, who have offices in St Albans, Marshalswick, Wheathampstead and Harpenden (Image: Frost's)