Bedmond is one of the best connected villages in Hertfordshire, located about three miles south of Hemel Hempstead and minutes away from the M25 and M1.
We found out more about the area...
Bedmond used to be a farming area, and a large portion of the district is still dedicated to farmland and agriculture.
The pretty and rural area is therefore perfect for outdoor pursuits - with many cycling and running paths. Visitors can also enjoy a casual stroll around the countryside.
Amenities in the village include a convenience store, a garage and a post office.
Travel
Bedmond's nearest town is Hemel, with Watford and St Albans also within a five mile radius.
The village has good transportation links to other areas both locally and regionally, as the M25 and M1 are just minutes away by car.
For rail links, you can get to London Euston from nearby Kings Langley within half an hour.
History
One of Bedmond's historic claims to fame is its 'tin church', also known as the 'Church of the Ascension', which was opened in 1880.
The church was bought for just £40 by Mrs Solly, the wife of the then Squire of Bedmond.
The Grade II listed building seats 60 people. The bell in its steeple is rung for services, and a Holy Communion is held at the church every Sunday.
Nearer to Abbots Langley was the Ovaltine dairy farm, which is based on the model dairy farm that was owned by Marie Antoinette.
The land that was used to graze Jersey cows has long since been replaced by the M25, and the building has become the aptly-named private property Antoinette Court, located on Dairy Way.
Bedmond is also the birthplace of Pope Adrian the IV, who was born Nicholas Breakspear in around 1100.
As the son of a poor priest, Breakspear strived to be admitted to the Abbey but was allegedly refused due to his lack of education.
Breakspear then set off on a voyage to France, and became a monk in St Rufus. He was Pope Adrian IV from 1154 until he died at the age of 59 in 1159.
The circumstances of his death have become something of a myth. The story goes that he died by choking on a fly while drinking wine.
A plaque to commemorate him has been placed at the site of his former home.
For a more recent claim to fame, Bedmond was the home of former Leeds, Chelsea and Wimbledon player Vinnie Jones, who donated a large sum to set up the sports and social club there for youngsters.
Vinnie played football for Wales at an international level and later starred in the film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Pubs
The Bell Pub on High Street has a family garden and offers a varied menu from pizzas to Mexican food.
The White Hart Inn sadly closed in 2009 and has since been converted into a private house, following in the footsteps of The Green Man, now known as Green Man House.
Meanwhile the Travellers’ Rest pub was located in Porridge Pot Hill (now called Church Hill) and famous English highwayman Dick Turpin is said to have visited.
There are two possible explanations for the hill's original name. The first is that porridge was the meal of choice for many of the travellers passing through. Another is that it was named after the legend of a witch who lived at the bottom of the hill.
A peculiar mist was said to rise in the early mornings - caused from the steam of her hot bowl of breakfast porridge.
Property
Currently on the market in Bedmond is a detached four-bedroom property on Bell Lane for £675,000 and a semi-detached three-bedroom property for £550,000.
Schools
The village has a one-form entry primary school, Bedmond Academy, which also has a morning nursery class. The school received a 'good' rating in February 2022 following an Ofsted inspection.
The closest secondary school to the village is the partially selective and extremely popular Parmiter’s School in Garston, which is rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted.
Other nearby options include Longdean School in Hemel Hempstead, which is rated 'good', and Future Academies Watford - formerly Francis Combe Academy - which is rated 'requires improvement'.
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