Area guide for the pretty Hertfordshire village of Codicote

The large village sits between Welwyn and Hitchin, and has a strong sense of community spirit.

Two popular events are hosted each year in Codicote. One of these is the much-loved Village Day, which features a parade and various competitions, including a Bake Off and Best Float.

Codicote is also home to Goatfest, a live music festival.

History

The earliest form of the name Codicote is recorded in 1002 as Cuthingcoton, meaning 'the cottages of Cuthhere's people'.

At the time, the village was the property of King Æthelred the Unready who sold it to his 'faithful minister' Ælfhelm for 900 shillings of pure gold.

Shortly after this it passed to the Abbot and Chapter of St Albans Abbey.

In the Domesday Book of 1086 the village was valued at six pounds. The land was farmed by the Abbot's bailiff, and the population was estimated at around 100.

Codicote has a thriving local history society with talks, outings and archaeological digs. There is also a small museum.

Property  

According to Rightmove the majority of sales in Codicote during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average of £391,750.

Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £460,000 while detached properties for an average of £842,500.   

Homes currently on the market in and around the village include a four-bedroom detached property on Valley Road for £650,000, a three-bedroom detached on The Elms for £525,000 and a two-bedroom semi-detached on Valley Road for £395,000 

Amenities  

Codicote has plenty of options for eateries in its scenic high street.

The Goat Inn is a cosy, welcoming venue with food and live music on offer, and there is also the ever-popular Codicote Spice Indian restaurant.

The Goat Inn in Codicote (Image: Google Street View)

To the north-east of the village is the picturesque St Giles Church. The church's adorned chapel of the Holy Innocents was dedicated by the Bishop of Rochester between 1108 and 1115.

Codicote Peace Memorial Hall, in the middle of High Street, serves as an ideal venue at the heart of the village to hire for social functions.

The main hall has table seating for 120, along with a sprung floor and built-in stage lighting. 

St Giles Church (Image: Archant)

Schools  

Codicote Church of England Primary School was formed in 1857. The current school building on Meadow Way was established in 1972, and further expanded in 2001. The school received an 'outstanding' rating at its latest Ofsted inspection.

Secondary students can go to schools in nearby towns, including Monk's Walk in Welwyn Garden City (rated 'good' by Ofted) and Hitchin Girls' and Boys' schools (both rated 'outstanding').

An independent alternative is Sherrardswood School in Welwyn, a co-educational day school for children aged two to 18.

Transport  

Knebworth train station is two miles outside of the village, while Welwyn North and Welwyn Garden City railway stations are also nearby.

These have great links to London as well as other major towns and cities in the area.

Codicote is also well-connected to major roads, due to its location less than three miles from the A1(M) and eight miles from the M1.

Codicote is well connected to major roads (Image: Archant)

Sport  

Codicote is home to excellent sports facilities. The John Clements Sports and Community Centre was opened in 2015, after an impressive fundraising effort which saw £550,000 raised.

The centre was named in honour of heroic resident John Clements, who was a teacher at Sherrardswood School.

John sadly lost his life rescuing 35 children from a burning hotel during a ski trip to Italy in 1976, and was posthumously awarded the George Cross.  

Football, tennis, cricket, mini rugby and indoor bowls events are played at the site, and the centre also hosts social events such as weddings, birthday parties, live music, Pilates sessions and bingo. 

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