Cheshunt

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Template:Short description Template:For-multi Template:AI-generated Template:Use British English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox UK place Cheshunt (/ˈtʃɛzənt/ CHEZ-ənt) is a town in the Borough of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, England, situated within the London commuter belt approximately Template:Convert north of Central London. The town lies on the River Lea and Lee Navigation, bordering the Lee Valley Park, and forms part of the Greater London Urban Area. As of the 2021 census, the built-up area subdivision of Cheshunt had a population of 43,770.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Historically recorded as Cestrehunt in the Domesday Book of 1086,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Cheshunt developed along the Roman road of Ermine Street and shows evidence of prehistoric, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon settlement.<ref name="Gater2001">Template:Cite web</ref> <ref name="Archaeology in Hertfordshire">Template:Cite book</ref> The nearby Theobalds Palace hosted monarchs such as Elizabeth I and James I,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the town later became known for glasshouse horticulture, rose cultivation,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and corporate retail, serving as the headquarters of Tesco until 2016.<ref name="MacLaurin 2009 18">Template:Cite book</ref>

Cheshunt today is a commuter town with regular services via Cheshunt railway station on the West Anglia Main Line and London Overground, and is accessible by road via the A10 and M25 motorway.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The local economy includes logistics, retail, business parks, and hospitality, with plans for a proposed £1 billion Google data centre released during 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Notable residents have included Cliff Richard, Victoria Beckham, and Olympic cyclist Laura Kenny.<ref name="Hertfordshire Mercury">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Toponymy

The name Cheshunt originates from the Old English term Cestrehunt, which appears in the Domesday Book of 1086.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The first element, ceaster, derives from the Latin castra, meaning "fort" or "military camp", a common component in English place names that indicates Roman origins.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The second element, hunt, is thought to denote "a hunting ground" or "huntsman", suggesting that the area may have been known for its association with hunting.<ref name="Cheshunt">Template:Cite web</ref>

This etymology is consistent with Cheshunt's position along the Roman road of Ermine Street, which connected Londinium to Eboracum (modern-day London to York).<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Though no archaeological evidence of a Roman fort has been conclusively identified in Cheshunt itself, its toponymic structure and strategic location suggest a Roman presence.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Gater2001"/>

Over the centuries, the name gradually evolved through forms such as Cestrehunt and Chestehunt to its modern spelling, Cheshunt, preserving the linguistic memory of its ancient origins.<ref name="Cheshunt"/>

History

Cheshunt's history spans prehistoric settlements to its modern role as a commuter town.

Prehistoric and Roman period

Archaeological evidence indicates human activity in Cheshunt from prehistoric times, with excavations uncovering flint tools and pottery.<ref name="Archaeology in Hertfordshire"/> During the Roman era, Cheshunt's position along Ermine Street, a major road linking Londinium (London) to Eboracum (York), made it a significant staging post.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Map of Roman roads in Britannia, with Ermine Street marked in red

Evidence of a Roman settlement, possibly a villa or mansio, includes coins and pottery finds.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Roman Urn public house on Crossbrook Street commemorates this heritage.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A 2007 Time Team investigation revealed further Roman-era artefacts, confirming notable Roman presence in Cheshunt.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="MacLaurin, Ian 2009 18">Template:Cite book</ref>

Anglo-Saxon and mediaeval periods

The name Cheshunt likely derives from the Anglo-Saxon "ceastel" (fortified place) and "hunt" (hunting ground).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> By the mediaeval period, Cheshunt was an established manor, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Cestrehunt," held by the Count of Mortain with a mill, fishery, and extensive agricultural land.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> St Mary the Virgin Church, constructed in the 12th century with Norman architectural features, became a religious and community focal point.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Eleanor cross at neighbouring Waltham Cross, erected in 1291 by Edward I in memory of Queen Eleanor of Castile, highlights Cheshunt's proximity to royal routes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Tudor period

An 1836 engraving of Theobalds Palace, a prominent Elizabethan and Jacobean royal residence near Cheshunt, Hertfordshire

Cheshunt gained prominence during the Tudor era, particularly through its association with Queen Elizabeth I. Theobalds Palace, built in the late 15th century by Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley, became a favoured royal residence.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Elizabeth I visited frequently, using Theobalds as a retreat during her progresses and spending time there as a princess under house arrest before her ascension.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The palace was later gifted to James I in 1607, who preferred it over other royal residences.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The last royal resident to call Theobalds Palace home was King Charles I. Following the victory of Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War, the palace was dismantled, with much of its stone repurposed for other buildings.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

File:Cheshunt Great house.jpg
Cheshunt Great House prior to its destruction by fire in 1965

Cheshunt Great House, another Tudor manor, was linked to a number of noble and notable figures. In 1519, the Great House came into the possession of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, King Henry VIII chief adviser.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

17th and 18th centuries

During the English Civil War, Cheshunt's strategic location along Ermine Street made it significant. Theobalds Palace was seized by Parliamentarians, and Oliver Cromwell is said to have visited, with local tradition linking Cheshunt Park to his family.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The palace was partially demolished post-war, with materials repurposed, though its grounds remain as Cedars Park, now a public space.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the 18th century, Cheshunt's economy grew through market gardening, supplying London with produce via the River Lea.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

19th century and industrialisation

The 19th century marked a significant transformation for Cheshunt, driven by advancements in transportation, horticulture, and education.

Cheshunt, within the Lea Valley, became a key centre for the emerging glasshouse (greenhouse) industry in the mid-19th century. Its fertile soil, mild climate, and proximity to London markets made it ideal for market gardening. The arrival of the Northern and Eastern Railway in 1840 enabled growers to transport fresh produce rapidly to the capital, boosting commercial horticulture.<ref name="Rook, Tony 1998 34">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1825, the Cheshunt Railway; an experimental overhead monorail—was opened by local entrepreneur Mr Gibbs. Running from his brickworks near Gews Corner to a wharf on the River Lea, it was designed primarily for hauling bricks but also carried passengers, making it the world's first passenger monorail. The design featured an overhead track with horse-drawn carriages suspended below, with hinged rail sections to accommodate road crossings.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Northern and Eastern Railway's extension to Cheshunt in 1840 enhanced connectivity with London, spurring suburban development and integrating the town into the capital's economic landscape.<ref name="Rook, Tony 1998 34"/>

Cheshunt also became renowned for rose cultivation. The nursery firm Paul & Son, established in 1806, gained prominence for breeding notable varieties, including the ‘Cheshunt Hybrid’ rose introduced in the 1870s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Education expanded with the Dewhurst School, founded in 1640 by Robert Dewhurst, which added new facilities to meet growing demand in the 19th century.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

20th century

The 20th century marked Cheshunt's transformation from a rural market town into a part of London's commuter belt.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> According to the This Is Money website, Cheshunt is a favourable commuter town, for people working in London, based based on factors such as property prices, travel time, and local amenities.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Greenhouse Industry

By the early 20th century, Cheshunt was a major hub of greenhouse production, renowned for cultivating salad crops such as cucumbers and tomatoes. In 1931, British Pathé featured Cheshunt's female horticultural workers in an Eve's Film Review segment titled Glass-House Girls. The footage shows women harvesting cucumbers in the town's commercial greenhouses, and sorting the produce into wicker baskets before loading them onto lorries for distribution.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>

The widespread use of greenhouses led to the Lea Valley region being dubbed the "Glasshouse Capital of Britain" and "London's Salad Bowl".<ref name="Cucumbers in Cheshunt">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Lawless">Template:Cite news</ref> The wider Lea Valley, including Cheshunt, peaked at Template:Convert of greenhouse cultivation around 1950, the largest in the UK.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1967, a quarter of the country's glasshouses were in the area.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

A commercial nursery in the Lea Valley area, reflecting the areas horticultural heritage

While small-scale manufacturing and retail expanded, Cheshunt's horticultural tradition declined in the latter half of the 20th century due to cheaper imports, escalating fuel costs, and pressure from housing development.<ref name="Cucumbers in Cheshunt"/> Many nurseries closed or were converted into residential areas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> While Cheshunt's greenhouse industry has largely diminished, the wider Lea Valley continues to operate around Template:Convert of glasshouses, producing approximately 75% of the UK's crop.<ref name="Lawless"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

War Commemoration

In 1923, a war memorial, designed by architect J.W. Hanchett, was erected in Cheshunt to honour local men who died in the First World War and later rededicated to include those from World War II and post-1945 conflicts.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Located with free access from Victoria Close, it was unveiled on 24 February 1923, attended by local clergy and dignitaries. Annual Remembrance Sunday services continue to be held at the site.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 12 August 1944, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber (serial number 42-95023) of the United States Army Air Forces crashed near Maxwells Farm in Cheshunt, killing all ten crew members aboard.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The crew's bravery, particularly pilot Lieutenant Ellis, who diverted the aircraft to avoid the town, is commemorated in the naming of Lieutenant Ellis Way.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A memorial plaque was unveiled in 2010 near the crash site at the entrance to St Mary's School, honouring the American crew's sacrifice.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Economic and urban development

In 1929, Jack Cohen opened one of the first Tesco stores in Cheshunt's High Street.<ref name="MacLaurin 2009 18"/> Tesco later relocated its corporate headquarters to the town, remaining there until 2016.Template:Fact

The former Tesco headquarters in Cheshunt, which served as the company's base until 2016

Following the Second World War, Cheshunt experienced rapid urbanisation as part of Greater London's overspill housing strategy. Large council estates were developed in areas like Bury Green and Rosedale to meet the demand for affordable housing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Electrification of rail lines and improved commuter links made the town increasingly attractive to those working in the capital.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Failed verification

Education expanded to meet the needs of the growing population, with the founding of Goffs Academy in 1964,Template:Citation needed while older institutions like Dewhurst St Mary's Primary School remained active.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

21st century

Ruins of Theobalds Palace in Cedars Park, Cheshunt, originally built by William Cecil in the 1560s

In the 21st century, Cheshunt has undergone heritage conservation and redevelopment initiatives, with further proposals outlined in the Borough of Broxbourne's Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy 2023–2030.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Fv

Cedars Park, situated on the grounds of the former Theobalds Palace, continues to serve as a public park incorporating historical features from the Tudor estate and hosting local events.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Until 2004, the 17th-century Temple Bar gateway stood in Theobalds Park, having been relocated from London in the late 19th century. It was returned to the City of London and re-erected in Paternoster Square, adjacent to St Paul's Cathedral.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Temple Bar in Theobalds Park, 2004; relocated to Paternoster Square, London, in 2004

Public realm improvements, proposed in the early 21st century, include the planned restoration of Grundy Park. The site, previously used as a leisure complex, has been proposed for redevelopment as a landscaped park with new facilities, subject to ongoing local planning initiatives.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2020, the Birch Hotel opened in Cheshunt within Theobalds Park Estate, a Grade II listed Georgian building constructed in 1763 on the former grounds of the demolished Theobalds Palace.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In early 2025, the Theobalds Park Estate was acquired by Surya Hotels, with further developments and improvements announced as part of future plans. <ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Although Tesco relocated its corporate headquarters from Cheshunt to Welwyn Garden City in 2016, the company had been based in the town since the 1960s, during which it played a role in local employment and business development.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Cheshunt continues to function as a commuter settlement, supported by its transport connections, including proximity to the M25 motorway and rail links via Cheshunt railway station.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead link</ref>

Geography

Location and topography

Cheshunt is located in the Borough of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, approximately Template:Convert north of central London.<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> The town lies within the Lea Valley, a broad floodplain shaped by the River Lea, which flows south into the River Thames. The topography is largely flat with gentle undulations, ranging between 20 and 60 metres above sea level.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The area's geological composition includes Quaternary alluvial deposits and Eocene London Clay, contributing to the fertile soils historically suited for market gardening.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Hydrology and natural features

The River Lea and its network of waterways—including the Lee Navigation, Small River Lea, Rags Brook and Turnford Brook—traverse Cheshunt, shaping the town's hydrological landscape and supporting a vibrant ecosystem. These watercourses form part of the Template:Convert Lee Valley Park, a linear green corridor that includes wetlands, woodlands, and recreational areas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Turnford Brook, a minor tributary of the River Lea, rises near Wormley and flows southeast beneath the A10 and the New River via an aqueduct at Turnford. It continues through Cheshunt Wash, a low-lying area that also receives flow from Rags Brook, before running under the West Anglia Main Line and eventually joining the Small River Lea in the River Lee Country Park.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cheshunt Wash, part of the River Lea floodplain, plays a key role in local flood management and supports wetland habitats. The area is subject to flood risk and includes zones designated as 'Danger for Most' under hazard assessments related to nearby development.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

North Met Pit, a former gravel pit now part of the Turnford and Cheshunt Pits SSSI

The town also contains the Turnford and Cheshunt Pits, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These former gravel pits, now flooded, are valued for their biodiversity, supporting orchids, dragonflies, and over 200 bird species.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The New River, a 17th-century artificial aqueduct built to supply drinking water to London, passes through the town near Brookfield shopping centre, White Fields estate and Bury Green.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cheshunt Lock on the Lee Navigation

At Cheshunt Lock on the Lee Navigation, boaters navigate an operational lock that reflects the town's historic involvement in river trade and transport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Climate

Cheshunt has a temperate maritime climate, characterised by mild summers and cool winters. Average high temperatures range from 8 °C in January to 23 °C in July, with an annual precipitation of approximately 720 mm.<ref name="weatherspark.com">Template:Cite web</ref> Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.

Average monthly temperatures in Cheshunt (°C)<ref name="weatherspark.com"/>
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average high 8 8 10 13 17 20 22 22 19 15 11 8
Average temperature 5 5 7 10 13 16 18 18 15 12 8 6
Average low 3 3 4 6 9 12 14 14 12 9 6 4

Demographics

According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, Cheshunt had a total population of 43,770.<ref name="CityPop">Template:Cite web</ref>

Ethnic composition

Cheshunt has seen increasing ethnic diversity over the past decade.Template:When? The ethnic breakdown of residents in 2021 was as follows:

Ethnic composition of Cheshunt (2021)
Ethnic group Population Percentage
White 34,840 79.6%
Black 2,801 6.4%
Asian 1,820 4.2%
Mixed/multiple 1,927 4.4%
Other (including Arab) 2,274 5.2%

<ref name="CityPop" />

This marks a shift from 2011, when over 90% of Cheshunt's population identified as White, and reflects broader demographic trends in Hertfordshire and the East of England.<ref name="ONS2021">Template:Cite web</ref>

Religious affiliation

Data from the 2021 census indicates the following religious composition in Cheshunt:

Religious affiliation in Cheshunt (2021)
Religion Percentage
Christian 48.3%
No religion 36.4%
Muslim 4.1%
Hindu 1.0%
Other religions 10.2%

<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

This represents a decline in Christian affiliation compared to previous decades, alongside a notable rise in those identifying with no religion or with non-Christian faiths.<ref name="ONS2021" />

Population growth

Cheshunt's population has grown steadily due to its proximity to London, improved transport infrastructure, and sustained residential development. The 2021 population figure (43,770) reflects a moderate increase from 2011, in line with borough-wide trends.<ref name="ONS2021" />

Governance

Broxbourne Borough Council's offices, Bishop's College, Churchgate, Cheshunt

There are two tiers of local government covering Cheshunt, at district (borough) and county level: Broxbourne Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council. The borough council is based in Cheshunt, having its offices at the Bishop's College on Churchgate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Administrative history

Cheshunt was an ancient parish in the hundred of Hertford.<ref name="VisionAP">Template:Cite web</ref> The parish was subdivided into three townships: Cheshunt Street, Waltham Cross, and Woodside.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1837 the parish was included in the Edmonton Poor Law Union, a group of parishes which collectively administered their responsibilities under the poor laws.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The parish of Cheshunt was made a local board of health district in 1850, administered by an elected board, which first met in October that year.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Such districts were reconstituted as urban districts under the Local Government Act 1894.<ref name="VisionUD">Template:Cite web</ref>

File:Cheshunt Urban District Council coat of arms.jpg
Coat of arms granted to Cheshunt Urban District Council in 1944

The urban district council was initially based at St Mary's Hall on College Road.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> It later moved to the Manor House at 22 Turners Hill, a substantial 1860s house.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Cheshunt Public Library was built in the Manor House grounds in 1907.<ref>Template:NHLE</ref> In 1944, the urban district council was granted its own coat of arms.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cheshunt Urban District was abolished in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972. The area became part of the new Borough of Broxbourne.<ref name="VisionUD" /> No successor parish was created for the former urban district, and so it became unparished.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Shortly before its abolition, the old urban district council bought the former Bishop's College on Churchgate, and that complex was extended to become the headquarters of the new Broxbourne Borough Council.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The old urban district council offices at the Manor House were demolished in the late 1980s and replaced with a sheltered housing development, Edwards Court.<ref>Broxbourne Planning Application 7/710/1987: Demolition of former Council Offices and erection of 3-storey building comprising 51 sheltered flats with house manager's apartment, ancillary accommodation and car parking, at Manor House / Glen Luce, Turners Hill, Cheshunt.</ref>

Economy and industry

As of 2023, the employment rate in the Borough of Broxbourne, which includes Cheshunt, was approximately 79.5% among residents aged 16 to 64. The local economy is centred on retail, logistics, light manufacturing and services.Template:Fact

Retail and corporate presence

Demolition of Tesco's former head office on Delamare Road, Cheshunt, ahead of redevelopment into the Cheshunt Lakeside project

Tesco, the British multinational retailer, established its head office on Delamare Road in Cheshunt in 1973. The headquarters remained operational until 2016, when the company relocated to Welwyn Garden City. As of 2018, the Delamare Road site was undergoing redevelopment into a new "Cheshunt Lakeside" residential area with new a school and shops to serve the area.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 1983, Tesco opened an out-of-town store named "Brookfield Farm" to the north of Cheshunt. This development later expanded to include a Marks & Spencer store, and the entire estate was rebranded as "The Brookfield Centre". Today, Brookfield Centre hosts additional shopping outlets, restaurants, coffee shops and estate agents.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Boots store at Brookfield Retail Park, Halfhide Lane, Cheshunt

The area is also the focus of the "Brookfield Riverside" and "Brookfield Garden Village" regeneration projects. These developments aim to deliver over 1,250 new homes, a new civic centre, retail and leisure space, transport upgrades and thousands of new jobs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Business parks and employment

Cheshunt is home to a number of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in business parks and industrial estates such as the New River Trading Estate and the Dacre Industrial Estate. These provide warehouse, distribution and light manufacturing facilities, supporting local employment.Template:Fact

Major local employers include Lamex Food Group, a food trading company, and the Medivet Group, which has veterinary and support offices based in the region.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Fv

Industrial and logistics developments

Theobalds Business Park in Cheshunt has become a focal point for industrial and technological growth.Template:Tone inline For example, the MAX50 project by Pigeon comprises an 86,316 sq ft industrial warehouse and office space. This facility has been leased to a BMW and MINI automotive retailer.Template:Fact The project is expectedTemplate:By whom to generate over £4 million in social impact through job creation and environmental initiatives.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Adjacent to MAX50, Google is constructing its first UK data centre on a 33-acre site within Theobalds Business Park. This $1 billion investment aims to support the growing demand for AI and cloud services, providing essential compute capacity to businesses across the UK. The facility is committed to sustainability,Template:Tone inline aiming for 90% carbon-free operations by 2025, and includes provisions for off-site heat recovery to benefit the local community.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Theobalds Business Park also hosts the Theobalds Enterprise Centre, a £10 million facility designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups. Opened in November 2023, the centre achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating for sustainability and a Platinum WiredScore for digital connectivity.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Hospitality

The Delta Hotels by Marriott Cheshunt provides accommodation and event facilities. In 2022, the property underwent refurbishment and was rebranded under Marriott's Delta Hotels brand, following a multi-million-pound investment by Focus Hotels Management.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Automotive engineering

A Lotus 23B, manufactured at the Cheshunt facility between 1963 and 1966

In 1959, Colin Chapman relocated Lotus Cars and Team Lotus from Hornsey to a purpose-built facility on Delamare Road, Cheshunt. During their tenure in Cheshunt, Lotus won two Formula One Constructors' Championships (in 1963 and 1965). The company moved its operations to Hethel, Norfolk, in 1966.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Horticulture and glasshouse industry

Until the late 1960s, Cheshunt was renowned for its nursery industry, particularly for innovations in glasshouse cultivation. Thomas Rochford's enterprise was notably prominent,Template:How with extensive glasshouse operations. Although most of these facilities have been redeveloped into residential areas, such as those named Rosedale and Thomas Rochford Way, a small segment of the nursery trade persists west of the town.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Transportation and trade

Herts Young Mariners Base, Cheshunt

The River Lee Navigation, running east of Cheshunt, historically served as a vital transport route for flowers and crops destined for London markets. A wharf was situated just east of the railway, on the current site of the Herts Young Mariners base. The advent of road transport eventually supplanted river-based trade.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref>

Agricultural research

The Cheshunt Research Station developed "Cheshunt Compound," a fungicide comprising copper sulfate and ammonium carbonate, widely used to combat damping-off disease in seedlings. However, the compound was withdrawn from sale in the UK in November 2010 and is no longer legally permitted for use.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Education

Cheshunt is served by a variety of educational institutions, including state-funded primary and secondary schools, as well as faith-based academies.Template:Fact

Primary schools

Cheshunt is served by eleven primary schools, including:

  • Bonneygrove Primary School, Dark Lane
  • Brookland Infant and Junior Schools, Elm Drive
  • Burleigh Primary School, Blindman’s Lane
  • Churchfield CE Academy, Cheshunt Wash
  • Dewhurst St Mary CE Primary School, Churchgate – founded in 1640, it is one of the oldest Church of England schools in the Diocese of St Albans<ref>Dewhurst St Mary CE Primary School – History</ref>
  • Downfield Primary School, Downfield Road
  • Fairfields Primary School and Nursery, Rosedale Way
  • Flamstead End School, Longfield Lane
  • Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Longlands Close
  • Millbrook Primary School, Gews Corner
  • St Paul's Catholic Primary School, Park Lane – a voluntary aided Roman Catholic school<ref>St Paul’s Catholic Primary School – UK Government GIAS Register</ref>
  • Andrews Lane Primary School, Andrews Lane

Secondary schools

There are four secondary schools in Cheshunt:

Tertiary education

Cheshunt does not have a university or dedicated higher education institution within the town itself. However, tertiary education providers in the area include:

Transport

Rail

Cheshunt railway station is served by both Greater Anglia and London Overground services. The station lies on the West Anglia Main Line and the Lea Valley lines, and has regular services to London Liverpool Street via Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters, as well as northbound services to Hertford East, Bishop's Stortford, and Cambridge. The station is located in London fare zone 8, facilitating convenient travel within the Greater London area.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2024, the London Overground line serving Cheshunt was officially renamed the Weaver line as part of a network-wide rebranding initiative.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cheshunt is also proposed to be a stop on the future Crossrail 2 route, a planned north-east to south-west London railway. The project includes upgraded services and accessibility improvements at the station.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Road

Cheshunt is strategically positioned along the A10, also known locally as the Great Cambridge Road, which connects the town to Junction 25 of the M25 motorway, Central London, Hertford, and Cambridge. The A10 serves as a north-south corridor through Hertfordshire.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Bus

Cheshunt is served by a variety of commercial and Hertfordshire County Council-supported bus services. Routes connect the town to Waltham Cross, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Hertford, Harlow, Potters Bar, and Waltham Abbey. Operators include Arriva Shires & Essex, Centrebus, Metroline, Sullivan Buses, and Vectare.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cycling

National Cycle Route 1 passes through Cheshunt, forming part of a larger network from Dover to the Shetland Islands. The Lee Valley Country Park provides scenic and practical cycling and walking routes along the River Lea, linking Cheshunt with Ware, Hoddesdon, Waltham Abbey, Tottenham, and Stratford.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

As part of the Connect2 project funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Paul Cully Bridge was constructed in 2010 to provide a safe cycle and pedestrian route over the A10. This bridge links Theobalds Lane with Lieutenant Ellis Way and expands the cycling infrastructure in the area.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Sport

Football

Cheshunt F.C. squad during the 2005–06 season

Cheshunt is home to Cheshunt F.C., a semi-professional football club founded in 1946. The team competes in the Isthmian League Premier Division and plays at Theobalds Lane Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 3,500 spectators.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The former professional footballer Iain Dowie played for the club during the 1980s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

F.C. Romania, established in 2006 by Romanian immigrants, also shares Theobalds Lane Stadium. The club competes in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division and has been part of the Cheshunt football scene since 2012.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Historically, Tottenham Hotspur F.C. used a training ground in Cheshunt from 1952 until 1996. The 11-acre site was initially purchased from Cheshunt F.C. and served as the club's primary training facility before relocating to Chigwell.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Rugby Union

Cheshunt Rugby Football Club operates from Rosedale Sports Club on Andrew Lane. The club fields multiple teams, including men's, women's, and youth squads. The men's first team competes in Counties 1 Herts/Middlesex, while the women's team participates in National Challenge 2 South East (North East).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cricket

Cheshunt Rosedale Cricket Club was formed in 2018 through the merger of Cheshunt Cricket Club and Waltham Cross Rosedale CC. The club has facilities at Rosedale Sports Club.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Golf

Cheshunt Park Golf Centre features an 18-hole, par-71 parkland course designed by Donald Hawtree in 1971. Spanning 6,635 yards, the course includes a 9-bay driving range, putting green, and chipping area. The facility is open to both members and visitors and has a clubhouse with a bar and restaurant.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Water sports

The Herts Young Mariners Base (HYMB) is an outdoor activity centre located off Windmill Lane in Cheshunt, within the Lee Valley Park. The site offers a range of water-based and adventure activities, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, open water swimming, sailing, and raft building. In addition to aquatic training, the base also provides land-based programmes such as climbing, archery, and orienteering.

The base is operated by Hertfordshire County Council and is used by local schools, scouts, youth organisations, and adult groups for educational and team-building programmes. The facility includes a lakeside wharf, equipment stores, changing rooms, and classrooms, and occupies the site of a former open-air swimming pool.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Leisure facilities

The Laura Trott Leisure Centre, named after the Olympic gold medallist, has a gym, swimming pool, exercise classes, sauna, and steam rooms. The centre also provides facilities for racket sports and hosts a number of community events.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cheshunt Community Sports Park serves as a hub for local sports and recreation. The facility includes a gym, personal training services, sports therapy, football pitches, indoor and outdoor bowls courts, squash courts, and function rooms.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Media

Cheshunt falls within the BBC London and ITV London television regions. Broadcast television signals in the area are transmitted from the Crystal Palace transmitting station, which provides digital terrestrial (Freeview) coverage.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Local radio services include BBC Three Counties Radio, which covers Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, and Heart Hertfordshire, a commercial station offering music and local news programming.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The town is served by the Cheshunt & Waltham Mercury, a weekly print and digital newspaper published by the Hertfordshire Mercury, providing coverage of local news, sport, and community events.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Notable people

Cliff Richard performing in Sydney, Australia

16th century

17th century

20th century

Victoria Beckham in 2010

21st century

Laura Trott's gold post box on Cadmore Lane, Cheshunt, painted in honour of her 2012 Olympic gold medal.

Town twinning

Cheshunt is twinned with Stains in the Île-de-France region of northern France, just north of Paris. The partnership was established to foster cultural understanding and community links between the two towns. Over the years, the twinning has supported student exchanges, civic visits, and joint cultural projects.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref>

See also

References

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