View source for Cheshunt

{{Short description|Town in Hertfordshire, England}}
{{For-multi|the football club|Cheshunt F.C.|the village in Australia|Cheshunt, Victoria}}
{{AI-generated|date=September 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox UK place
| country = England
| coordinates = {{coord|51|42|08|N|0|02|05|W|display=inline,title}}
| official_name = Cheshunt
| population = 43,770.
| population_ref = (Census 2021: Built-up area sub division)<ref>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt (Hertfordshire, East of England, United Kingdom) – Population Statistics, Charts, Map, Location, Weather and Web Information |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/eastofengland/hertfordshire/E63004542__cheshunt/ |website=City Population |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>
| shire_district = [[Broxbourne (borough)|Broxbourne]]
| shire_county = [[Hertfordshire]]
| region = East of England
| static_image_name        = {{Photomontage
| photo1a= St Mary Cheshunt Herts.jpg
| photo2a = Broxbourne Borough Offices, Churchgate, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire - geograph.org.uk - 96383.jpg
| photo2b = Cheshunt Public Library - geograph.org.uk - 542253.jpg
| photo3a = Cheshunt Lock.JPG
| photo3b = Cheshunt station - after the match - geograph.org.uk - 1328472.jpg
| spacing = 3
| size = 266
|color = white
| foot_montage = Clockwise from top: St Mary's Church, Cheshunt Library, [[Cheshunt railway station|Cheshunt station]], [[Cheshunt Lock]], and the [[Borough of Broxbourne|Broxbourne Borough Council]] offices}}
| constituency_westminster = [[Broxbourne (UK Parliament constituency)|Broxbourne]]
| post_town = WALTHAM CROSS
| postcode_district = EN7, EN8
| postcode_area = EN
| dial_code = 01992
| os_grid_reference = TL358021
| london_distance_mi = 12
}}
'''Cheshunt''' (/ˈtʃɛzənt/ CHEZ-ənt) is a town in the [[Borough of Broxbourne]], Hertfordshire, England, situated within the [[London commuter belt]] approximately {{convert|13|mi|km}} 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 [[United Kingdom census, 2021|2021 census]], the built-up area subdivision of Cheshunt had a population of 43,770.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt (Hertfordshire, East of England, United Kingdom) – Population Statistics, Charts, Map, Location, Weather and Web Information |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/eastofengland/hertfordshire/E63004542__cheshunt/ |publisher=City Population |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

Historically recorded as ''Cestrehunt'' in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086,<ref>{{cite book |last=Mills |first=A. D. |title=A Dictionary of British Place Names |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2011 |page=111 |isbn=978-0-19-960908-6}}</ref> Cheshunt developed along the Roman road of [[Ermine Street]] and shows evidence of prehistoric, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon settlement.<ref name="Gater2001">{{cite web |last=Gater |first=J. A. |title=Geophysical Survey Report 2001/64, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire |work=Grey Literature Library, Archaeology Data Service |date=2001 |url=https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/library/browse/issue.xhtml?recordId=1068096&recordType=GreyLit |access-date=13 June 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="Archaeology in Hertfordshire">{{cite book |title=Archaeology in Hertfordshire |publisher=University of Hertfordshire Press |year=2015 |page=317 |isbn=978-1-909291-77-5}}</ref> The nearby [[Theobalds Palace]] hosted monarchs such as [[Elizabeth I]] and [[James VI and I|James I]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Theobalds Palace |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/towns-and-villages/cheshunt/theobalds-palace |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref> and the town later became known for glasshouse horticulture, rose cultivation,<ref>{{cite web |title=Paul & Son (UK) |url=https://www.helpmefind.com/rose/plants.php?tab=42&rid=28827 |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref> and corporate retail, serving as the headquarters of [[Tesco]] until 2016.<ref name="MacLaurin 2009 18">{{cite book |last=MacLaurin |first=Ian |title=The Making of Tesco |publisher=Transworld |year=2009 |page=18 |isbn=978-0-593-06682-9}}</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 road|A10]] and [[M25 motorway]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Plans unveiled to improve several junctions on the A10 in Cheshunt |url=https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/plans-unveiled-to-improve-several-junctions-on-the-a10-in-cheshunt/ |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref> The local economy includes logistics, retail, business parks, and hospitality, with plans for a proposed £1&nbsp;billion Google data centre released during 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google set to build new data centre in Cheshunt |url=https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/news/article/321/google-set-to-build-new-data-centre-in-cheshunt |publisher=Broxbourne Borough Council |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

Notable residents have included [[Cliff Richard]], [[Victoria Beckham]], and Olympic cyclist [[Laura Kenny]].<ref name="Hertfordshire Mercury">{{cite news |title=Primary school in Hertfordshire where Cliff Richard first performed |url=https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/primary-school-hertfordshire-cliff-richard-6566499 |work=Hertfordshire Mercury |date=5 February 2022 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Laura Trott (now Laura Kenny) |url=https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/gbcyclingteam/bio/28 |publisher=British Cycling |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

==Toponymy==

The name ''Cheshunt'' originates from the Old English term ''Cestrehunt'', which appears in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086.<ref>{{cite book |last=Mills |first=A. D. |title=A Dictionary of British Place Names |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-19-960908-6 |page=111}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=May |first=Adam |title=How Hertfordshire's towns, cities and villages got their names |url=https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/how-hertfordshires-towns-cities-villages-4007577 |work=Hertfordshire Mercury |date=2 April 2020 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</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 Empire|Roman]] origins.<ref>{{cite book |last=Room |first=Adrian |title=Placenames of the World |publisher=McFarland & Company |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-7864-2248-7 |page=90}}</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">{{cite web |title=Cheshunt |url=https://epns.nottingham.ac.uk/browse/Hertfordshire/Cheshunt/53285ba0b47fc40ace00077f-Cheshunt |website=Survey of English Place-Names |publisher=University of Nottingham |access-date=3 June 2025 |archive-date=30 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530145126/https://epns.nottingham.ac.uk/browse/Hertfordshire/Cheshunt/53285ba0b47fc40ace00077f-Cheshunt |url-status=dead }}</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>{{cite journal |last=Gelling |first=Margaret |title=Latin Loan-Words in Old English Place-Names |journal=Anglo-Saxon England |volume=6 |year=1977 |pages=6 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |doi=10.1017/S0263675100000910 |jstor=44510681 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44510681 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |last=Ellis |first=Peter |title=The Roman Roads of Hertfordshire |url=https://www.hiddenea.com/Herts%20PTD%20pt1.htm |publisher=The Hidden East Anglia Project |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=May |first=Adam |title=How Hertfordshire's towns, cities and villages got their names |url=https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/how-hertfordshires-towns-cities-villages-4007577 |work=Hertfordshire Mercury |date=2 April 2020 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</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 [[Prehistory|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>{{cite web |url=https://www.historyhit.com/roman-origins-of-the-a10/ |title=Roman Origins of the A10 |publisher=History Hit |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Himelfarb |first1=Ellen |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/england/articles/ermine-street/ |title=Ermine Street: The Roman road that transformed Britain |work=The Telegraph |date=4 June 2020 |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/media-library/documents/environment-and-planning/countryside-management-service/places-to-visit/cheshunt-park-leaflet.pdf |title=Cheshunt Park Leaflet |publisher=Hertfordshire County Council |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref>
 [[File:Roman Roads in Britannia.svg|thumb|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>{{cite book |last=Duncombe |first=John |title=History and Description of the Ancient Town and Borough of Cheshunt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s9dLAAAAMAAJ&dq=cheshunt+roman+history&pg=PA25 |publisher=J. Nichols and Son |year=1822 |pages=25, 32–33}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://romaninscriptionsofbritain.org/sites/cheshunt |title=Cheshunt |publisher=Roman Inscriptions of Britain |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> The Roman Urn public house on Crossbrook Street commemorates this heritage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://camra.org.uk/pubs/roman-urn-cheshunt-182388 |title=Roman Urn, Cheshunt |publisher=CAMRA |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> A 2007 ''Time Team'' investigation revealed further Roman-era artefacts, confirming notable Roman presence in Cheshunt.<ref>{{cite web |title=Time Team S09E06: Cheshunt, Hertfordshire |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFiSW8SlT6g |website=YouTube |publisher=Channel 4 |date=10 February 2002 |access-date=13 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Origins of Hertfordshire |author=Williamson, Tom |publisher=University of Hertfordshire Press |year=2010 |page=253 |isbn=978-1-905313-95-2}}</ref><ref name="MacLaurin, Ian 2009 18">{{cite book |title=The Making of Tesco |author=MacLaurin, Ian |publisher=Transworld |year=2009 |page=18 |isbn=978-0-593-06682-9}}</ref>

===Anglo-Saxon and mediaeval periods===
The name Cheshunt likely derives from the Anglo-Saxon "ceastel" (fortified place) and "hunt" (hunting ground).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://epns.nottingham.ac.uk/browse/Hertfordshire/Cheshunt/53285ba0b47fc40ace00077f-Cheshunt |title=Cheshunt |publisher=English Place-Name Society |access-date=29 May 2025 |archive-date=30 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530145126/https://epns.nottingham.ac.uk/browse/Hertfordshire/Cheshunt/53285ba0b47fc40ace00077f-Cheshunt |url-status=dead }}</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>{{cite book |title=Monasticon Anglicanum: A History of the Abbies and Other Monasteries |author=Dugdale, William |year=1846 |page=328 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4iALKS786G4C}}</ref> [[St Mary the Virgin, Cheshunt|St Mary the Virgin Church]], constructed in the 12th century with Norman architectural features, became a religious and community focal point.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/towns-and-villages/cheshunt/cheshunt-places/st_marys_church |title=St Mary's Church |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7854/ |title=St Mary the Virgin, Cheshunt |publisher=A Church Near You |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> The [[Eleanor cross]] at neighbouring [[Waltham Cross]], erected in 1291 by [[Edward I of England|Edward I]] in memory of [[Eleanor of Castile|Queen Eleanor of Castile]], highlights Cheshunt's proximity to royal routes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/education/schools-resources/educational-images/eleanor-cross-waltham-cross-cheshunt-2204 |title=Eleanor Cross, Waltham Cross, Cheshunt |publisher=Historic England |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref>

===Tudor period===
[[File:Theobalds-palace-1836.jpg|thumb|right|An 1836 engraving of Theobalds Palace, a prominent Elizabethan and Jacobean royal residence near Cheshunt, Hertfordshire]]
Cheshunt gained prominence during the [[Tudor period|Tudor era]], particularly through its association with [[Elizabeth I|Queen Elizabeth I]]. [[Theobalds House|Theobalds Palace]], built in the late 15th century by [[William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley|Sir William Cecil]], Lord Burghley, became a favoured royal residence.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/towns-and-villages/cheshunt/historic_cheshunt/theobalds-park |title=Theobalds Park |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Elizabeth I |author=Starkey, David |publisher=Chatto & Windus |year=2000 |page=60 |isbn=978-0-7011-6998-5}}</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>{{cite book |title=Young Elizabeth |author=Plowden, Alison |publisher=The History Press |year=2011 |page=124 |isbn=978-0-7524-5936-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://tudortimes.co.uk/people/elizabeth-i-palaces-prisons-and-progresses |title=Elizabeth I: Palaces, Prisons and Progresses |publisher=Tudor Times |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://heritagecalling.com/2024/09/05/12-places-connected-to-the-longest-reigning-tudor-monarch-queen-elizabeth-i/ |title=12 Places Connected to Queen Elizabeth I |date=5 September 2024 |publisher=Heritage Calling |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> The palace was later gifted to [[James VI and I|James I]] in 1607, who preferred it over other royal residences.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Express |first1=Britain |url=https://www.britainexpress.com/best/8-Historic-Houses-asociated-with-Elizabeth-I.htm |title=8 Historic Houses Associated with Elizabeth I |work=Britain Express |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> The last royal resident to call Theobalds Palace home was [[Charles I of England|King Charles I]]. Following the victory of [[Oliver Cromwell]] and the [[Roundhead|Parliamentarians]] in the [[English Civil War]], the palace was dismantled, with much of its stone repurposed for other buildings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Theobalds Palace |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/grants/visit/theobalds-palace-cedars-park-en8-9rv/ |website=Historic England |access-date=30 May 2025 |archive-date=30 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530145131/https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/grants/visit/theobalds-palace-cedars-park-en8-9rv/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/media-library/documents/environment-and-planning/countryside-management-service/places-to-visit/cheshunt-park-leaflet.pdf |title=Cheshunt Park Leaflet |publisher=Hertfordshire County Council |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Cheshunt Great house.jpg|thumb|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>{{cite web |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/education/schools-resources/educational-images/cheshunt-great-house-goffs-lane-cheshunt-8599 |title=Cheshunt Great House, Goffs Lane, Cheshunt |publisher=Historic England |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/places/historic-houses/cheshunt-great-house-remains |title=Cheshunt Great House Remains |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref>

===17th and 18th centuries===
During the [[English Civil War]], Cheshunt's strategic location along [[Ermine Street]] made it significant. [[Theobalds House|Theobalds Palace]] was seized by [[Roundhead|Parliamentarians]], and [[Oliver Cromwell]] is said to have visited, with local tradition linking [[Cheshunt Park]] to his family.<ref>{{cite book |title=Cromwell: Our Chief of Men |author=Fraser, Antonia |publisher=Weidenfeld & Nicolson |year=1973 |page=361 |isbn=978-0-297-76556-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/places/historic-houses/cheshunt_park_and_the_cromwells-2 |title=Cheshunt Park and the Cromwells |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> The palace was partially demolished post-war, with materials repurposed, though its grounds remain as [[Cedars Park, Cheshunt|Cedars Park]], now a public space.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/grants/visit/theobalds-palace-cedars-park-en8-9rv/ |title=Theobalds Palace, Cedars Park |publisher=Historic England |access-date=29 May 2025 |archive-date=30 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530145131/https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/grants/visit/theobalds-palace-cedars-park-en8-9rv/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In the 18th century, Cheshunt's economy grew through market gardening, supplying London with produce via the [[River Lea]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Hertfordshire in History |author=Cook, Helen |publisher=University of Hertfordshire Press |year=2004 |page=82 |isbn=978-0-9542189-4-2}}</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 garden]]ing. 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">{{cite book |title=Cheshunt in Hertfordshire |author=Rook, Tony |publisher=Cheshunt Local History Society |year=1998 |page=34 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8fuk7y7Y4wUC&q=cheshunt%20commuter%20belt |access-date=2025-05-30 |isbn=978-0-9505170-0-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/towns-and-villages/cheshunt/cucumbers_in_cheshunt |title=Cucumbers in Cheshunt |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=2025-05-30}}</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>{{cite web |last=Blatchley |first=Nicholas |title=Cheshunt Railway 1825 |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/topics/transport/railways/cheshunt_railway_1825 |website=Herts Memories |access-date=2025-05-30}}</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>{{cite web |title=Paul & Son (UK) |url=https://www.helpmefind.com/gardening/l.php?l=7.6172 |website=HelpMeFind Roses |access-date=2025-05-30}}</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>{{cite web |title=Former Dewhurst School, Churchgate, Cheshunt |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/education/schools-resources/educational-images/former-dewhurst-school-churchgate-cheshunt-8526 |publisher=Historic England |access-date=2025-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dewhurst St Mary's Primary School |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/towns-and-villages/cheshunt/cheshunt_schools/dewhurst_st_marys_primary_school |website=Herts Memories |access-date=2025-05-30}}</ref>

===20th century===

The 20th century marked Cheshunt's transformation from a rural market town into a part of London's [[Metropolitan area|commuter belt]].<ref>{{cite book
 | title = Cheshunt in Hertfordshire
 | author = Rook, Tony
 | publisher = Cheshunt Local History Society
 | year = 1998
 | page = 34
 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=8fuk7y7Y4wUC&q=cheshunt%20commuter%20belt
 | access-date = 2025-05-30
 | isbn = 978-0-9505170-0-1
}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
 | title = National Survey of Air Pollution 1961-71
 | publisher = H.M. Stationery Office
 | year = 1972
 | page = 87
 | isbn = 978-0-11-410149-7
 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=RyJSAAAAMAAJ&q=cheshunt+commuter+belt
 | access-date = 2025-05-30
}}</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>{{cite news |title=Commuters working in London: The best and worst locations to live are... |url=https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-6729639/Commuters-working-London-best-worst-locations-live-are.html |work=This is Money |date=4 February 2019 |access-date=30 May 2025}}</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, [[Pathé News|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>{{cite AV media |title=Glass-House Girls! A Cheshunt Story (1931) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6Eyhx0Gpiw |format=Video |publisher=British Pathé |date=1931 |access-date=6 June 2025 |type=Newsreel |series=Eve's Film Review |issue=517 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314234457/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6Eyhx0Gpiw&feature=youtu.be |archive-date=14 March 2023 |via=YouTube |url-status=bot: unknown }}</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">{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/towns-and-villages/cheshunt/cucumbers_in_cheshunt |title=Cucumbers in Cheshunt |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref><ref name="Lawless">{{cite news |last=Lawless |first=John |title='Cucumber capital' growers selling up as Brexit and energy crisis hits Britain's vegetable industry |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/06/cucumber-capital-growers-selling-up-as-brexit-and-energy-crisis-hits-britains-vegetable-industry |work=The Guardian |date=6 September 2022 |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref> The wider Lea Valley, including Cheshunt, peaked at {{Convert | 1200 | acre}} of greenhouse cultivation around 1950, the largest in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lvga.co.uk/app/download/5812122702/LVGA%2B1968.pdf |title=The Glasshouse Industry |publisher=Lea Valley Growers Association |year=1968 |pages=2 |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref> In 1967, a quarter of the country's glasshouses were in the area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cucumbers in Cheshunt |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/towns-and-villages/cheshunt/cucumbers_in_cheshunt |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref>
[[File:Commercial nursery - geograph.org.uk - 421469.jpg|thumb|right|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>{{cite web |url=https://www.lvga.co.uk/app/download/5812122702/LVGA%2B1968.pdf |title=The Glasshouse Industry |publisher=Lea Valley Growers Association |year=1968 |pages=1–3 |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref> While Cheshunt's greenhouse industry has largely diminished, the wider Lea Valley continues to operate around {{Convert | 450 | acre}} of glasshouses, producing approximately 75% of the UK's crop.<ref name="Lawless"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Anderson |first=Rachel |title=Great opportunity for 'London's Salad Bowl' to expand its production |url=https://www.greentech.nl/news/vegetables/great-opportunity-for-londons-salad-bowl-to-expand-its-production |website=GreenTech |date=24 March 2020 |access-date=30 May 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt War Memorial |url=https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/253581/ |publisher=War Memorials Online |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt War Memorial |url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/1117 |publisher=Imperial War Museums |access-date=30 May 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Hertfordshire Remembrance Sunday Services |date=8 November 2022 |url=https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/whats-on/hertfordshire-remembrance-sunday-services-taking-7770758 |publisher=Hertfordshire Mercury |access-date=30 May 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=USAAF Liberator crash in Cheshunt |url=https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/witness-cheshunt-1944-plane-crash-973785 |publisher=Hertfordshire Mercury |date=11 November 2018 |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=B-24 Liberator 42-95023 |url=https://www.americanairmuseum.com/archive/aircraft/42-95023 |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain |access-date=30 May 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=OurBroxbourne: The Liberator Crew Memorial Unveiling |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/towns-and-villages/cheshunt/ourbroxbourne_the_liberator_crew_memorial_unveiling_at_cheshunt |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref> A memorial plaque was unveiled in 2010 near the crash site at the entrance to [[St Mary's Church of England High School|St Mary's School]], honouring the American crew's sacrifice.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Remembrance Services |url=https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/cheshunt-remembrance-service-take-place-2163951 |publisher=Hertfordshire Mercury |date=7 November 2018 |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ernie wins battle to honour US war heroes who saved Cheshunt |url=http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Cheshunt-and-Waltham/Ernie-wins-battle-to-honour-US-war-heroes-who-saved-Cheshunt.htm |website=Hertfordshire Mercury |access-date=30 May 2025 |archive-date=2011-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721234535/http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Cheshunt-and-Waltham/Ernie-wins-battle-to-honour-US-war-heroes-who-saved-Cheshunt.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Economic and urban development====
In 1929, [[Jack Cohen (businessman)|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.{{fact|date=October 2025}}

[[File:Former Tesco HQ Cheshunt.jpg|thumb|right|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 [[Public housing in the United Kingdom|council estates]] were developed in areas like Bury Green and Rosedale to meet the demand for affordable housing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/category/herts-history/towns-and-villages/cheshunt/historic_cheshunt |title=Historic Cheshunt |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> Electrification of rail lines and improved commuter links made the town increasingly attractive to those working in the capital.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/family-history-ancestry-london-long-weekend-past-travel-a8634776.html |title=A long weekend in... Cheshunt: Discover your family history |work=The Independent |date=3 December 2018 |access-date=29 May 2025}}</ref>{{failed verification|reason=Where does this webpage speak about the "electrification of rail lines" or "improved commuter links" or how it made Cheshunt "increasingly attractive to those working in the capital"?|date=July 2025}}

Education expanded to meet the needs of the growing population, with the founding of [[Goffs Academy]] in 1964,{{citation needed|date=July 2025}} while older institutions like Dewhurst St Mary's Primary School remained active.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/towns-and-villages/cheshunt/cheshunt_schools/dewhurst_st_marys_primary_school |title=Dewhurst St Mary's Primary School |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=30 May 2025}}</ref>

===21st century===
[[File:Cheshunt, Theobalds - geograph.org.uk - 552741.jpg|thumb|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>{{cite web |url=https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/downloads/file/4019/arts-culture-and-heritage-strategy |title=Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy 2023–2030 |publisher=Broxbourne Borough Council |access-date=2025-07-08 |page=7}}</ref>{{fv|reason=Where, exactly, does this report set out "further proposals" for "heritage conservation and redevelopment initiatives"? Whether on page 7 or any other page? |date=October 2025}}

[[Cedars Park, Cheshunt|Cedars Park]], situated on the grounds of the former [[Theobalds House|Theobalds Palace]], continues to serve as a public park incorporating historical features from the Tudor estate and hosting local events.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fieldsintrust.org/about-us/news/spotlight-on-cedars-park |title=Heritage of Parks: Spotlight on Cedars Park |publisher=Fields in Trust |date=19 July 2019 |access-date=2025-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/places/historic-houses/cedars_park_cheshunt |title=Cedars Park, Cheshunt |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=2025-07-08}}</ref>

Until 2004, the 17th-century [[Temple Bar, London|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>{{cite web |title=History of Temple Bar |url=https://www.thetemplebar.info/history.html |website=Temple Bar Gateway |date=10 June 2009 |access-date=2025-05-30}}</ref>

[[File:Temple Bar, Theobalds Park - geograph.org.uk - 185643.jpg|thumb|left|200px|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>{{cite web |url=https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/hertfordshire/23528595.will-restoration-grundy-park-cheshunt-look-like/ |title=What Will the Restoration of Grundy Park in Cheshunt Look Like? |date=22 June 2023 |publisher=Great British Life |access-date=2025-05-30}}</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>{{cite web |url=https://lowewoodmuseum.com/2016/06/16/lady-meux-of-theobalds-park/ |title=Lady Meux of Theobalds Park |publisher=Lowe Wood Museum |date=16 June 2016 |access-date=2025-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/places/historic-houses/sir_hedworth_meux_and_the_cedars_park_cats |title=Sir Hedworth Meux and the Cedars Park 'Cats' |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=2025-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cedars-park.com/about-cedars-park |title=About Cedars Park |publisher=Cedars Park |access-date=2025-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2020/09/13/birch-hotel-interiors-uk-red-deer/ |title=Birch Hotel Interiors |date=13 September 2020 |publisher=Dezeen |access-date=2025-05-30}}</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>{{cite web |url=https://benews.co.uk/boutique-hotel-operator-picks-up-hertfordshire-hotel-from-administrators/ |title=Boutique hotel operator picks up Hertfordshire hotel from administrators |publisher=Be News |date=2024 |access-date=2025-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thecaterer.com/news/birch-cheshunt-theobalds-estate-sale-administration |title=Former Birch Cheshunt hotel remarketed for £12.5m |publisher=The Caterer |date=9 October 2024 |access-date=2025-07-08}}</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>{{cite news |last=Kollewe |first=Julia |title=Cheshunt council 'gobsmacked' by Tesco shock closure of HQ |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/11333049/Cheshunt-council-gobsmacked-by-Tesco-shock-closure-of-HQ.html |work=The Telegraph |date=8 January 2015 |access-date=2025-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |title=Tesco chief unveils dramatic shake-up at troubled supermarket |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jan/08/tesco-chief-unveils-dramatic-shake-up-troubled-supermarket |work=The Guardian |date=8 January 2015 |access-date=2025-07-08}}</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>{{cite news |title=Best London commuter towns and villages in 2025 |url=https://www.thetimes.com/money-mentor/mortgage-property/london-commuter-towns-villages-near/ |work=The Times |date=2025 |access-date=2025-07-08 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

== Geography ==

=== Location and topography ===

Cheshunt is located in the [[Borough of Broxbourne]], Hertfordshire, approximately {{convert|13|mi|km}} north of [[central London]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Broxbourne |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Broxbourne-district-England |access-date=3 June 2025}}</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>{{cite book |last=Williamson |first=Tom |title=The Origins of Hertfordshire |publisher=University of Hertfordshire Press |year=2010 |page=34 |isbn=978-1-905313-95-2}}</ref> The area's geological composition includes Quaternary [[Alluvium|alluvial]] deposits and Eocene [[London Clay Formation|London Clay]], contributing to the fertile soils historically suited for market gardening.<ref>{{cite book |last=Cook |first=Helen |title=Hertfordshire in History |publisher=University of Hertfordshire Press |year=2004 |page=82 |isbn=978-0-9542189-4-2}}</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 {{convert|10000|acre|ha}} [[Lee Valley Park]], a linear green corridor that includes wetlands, woodlands, and recreational areas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Explore the Lee Valley |url=https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/#:~:text=Lee%20Valley%20Regional%20Park%20is%2026%20miles,rafting%20to%20historical%20sites%20%2D%20there's%20anew |publisher=Lee Valley Regional Park Authority |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Our history |url=https://www.leevalleypark.org.uk/our-history |publisher=Lee Valley Regional Park Authority |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lee Valley |url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/1037 |website=Ramsar Sites Information Service |publisher=Ramsar Convention Secretariat |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Standard Data Form: Lee Valley SPA (UK9012111) |url=https://jncc.gov.uk/jncc-assets/SPA-N2K/UK9012111.pdf |publisher=Joint Nature Conservation Committee |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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|West Anglia Main Lin]]e and eventually joining the [[Small River Lea]] in the [[River Lee Country Park]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Grindlay |first=Ian |title=The Lea Valley Walk |publisher=Cicerone Press |year=2015 |page=114 |isbn=978-1-85284-774-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Area 57: Turnford Brook Valley |url=https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/media-library/documents/environment-and-planning/landscape/landscape-character-assessments/area057.pdf |publisher=Hertfordshire County Council |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Flood Risk Exception Test Report |url=https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/downloads/file/847/pp-exception-test-report-may-2017 |publisher=Broxbourne Borough Council |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>
[[File:North Met Pit, Cheshunt Gravel Pits - geograph.org.uk - 465961.jpg|thumb|right|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>{{cite web |title=Turnford and Cheshunt Pits |url=https://aroundus.com/p/12883275-turnford-and-cheshunt-pits |publisher=AroundUs |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Environment |url=https://www.leevalleypark.org.uk/environment |publisher=Lee Valley Regional Park Authority |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Lee Valley RAMSAR wetland site – a unique wildlife habitat |url=https://www.cpreherts.org.uk/news/the-lee-valley-ramsar-wetland-site-a-unique-wildlife-habitat/ |publisher=CPRE Hertfordshire |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

The [[New River (London)|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>{{cite web |title=The New River |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/places/rivers-and-canals/the-new-river |publisher=Herts Memories |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Walking the New River – Ware to Cheshunt |date=7 November 2021 |url=https://alondoninheritance.com/rivers-and-streams/walking-the-new-river-ware-to-cheshunt/ |publisher=A London Inheritance |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref> 
[[File:2022-02-05 Cheshunt Lock, Lee Navigation 1.jpg|thumb|right|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>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Lock |url=http://www.leeandstort.co.uk/Cheshunt_Lock.htm |publisher=Lee & Stort Navigations |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=CanalPlan – Cheshunt Lock |url=https://canalplan.uk/place/h7el |publisher=CanalPlanAC |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Climate ===

Cheshunt has a temperate maritime climate, characterised by mild summers and cool winters. Average high temperatures range from 8&nbsp;°C in January to 23&nbsp;°C in July, with an annual precipitation of approximately 720&nbsp;mm.<ref name="weatherspark.com">{{cite web |title=Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Cheshunt, United Kingdom |url=https://weatherspark.com/y/45219/Average-Weather-in-Cheshunt-United-Kingdom-Year-Round |website=WeatherSpark |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref>
Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ 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">{{cite web |title=Cheshunt (Hertfordshire) |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/eastofengland/hertfordshire/E63004542__cheshunt/ |website=City Population |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Ethnic composition ===

Cheshunt has seen increasing ethnic diversity over the past decade.{{when?|date=October 2025}} The ethnic breakdown of residents in 2021 was as follows:

{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''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">{{cite web |title=How life has changed in Broxbourne: Census 2021 |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censusareachanges/E07000095/ |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Religious affiliation ===

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

{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''Religious affiliation in Cheshunt (2021)'''
! Religion !! Percentage
|-
| [[Christians|Christian]] || 48.3%
|-
| [[Irreligion|No religion]] || 36.4%
|-
| [[Muslims|Muslim]] || 4.1%
|-
| [[Hindus|Hindu]] || 1.0%
|-
| Other religions || 10.2%
|}

<ref>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Central Ward Profile |url=https://www.reports.esriuk.com/view-report/22ab028c21214901ae429ea300a28735/E58000617 |website=Esri UK |access-date=3 June 2025}}</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 ==
[[File:Broxbourne Borough Offices, Churchgate, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire - geograph.org.uk - 96383.jpg|thumb|Broxbourne Borough Council's offices, [[Bishop's College, Cheshunt|Bishop's College]], Churchgate, Cheshunt]]
There are two tiers of local government covering Cheshunt, at [[non-metropolitan district|district]] (borough) and [[non-metropolitan county|county]] level: [[Broxbourne Borough Council]] and [[Hertfordshire County Council]]. The borough council is based in Cheshunt, having its offices at the [[Bishop's College, Cheshunt|Bishop's College]] on Churchgate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact the Council |url=https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/contact-us |website=Broxbourne Borough Council |access-date=6 June 2025}}</ref>

===Administrative history===
Cheshunt was an [[ancient parish]] in the [[hundred (county division)|hundred]] of Hertford.<ref name="VisionAP">{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Ancient Parish / Civil Parish |url=https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10085342 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> The parish was subdivided into three [[Township (England)|townships]]: Cheshunt Street, [[Waltham Cross]], and Woodside.<ref>{{cite book |title=Book of Reference to the Plan of the Parish of Cheshunt |date=1873 |publisher=Ordnance Survey |location=London |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=484HAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA31 |access-date=6 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hertfordshire Sheet XLI |url=https://maps.nls.uk/view/102345919 |website=National Library of Scotland |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=6 June 2025 |date=1868}}</ref> In 1837 the parish was included in the [[Edmonton, London|Edmonton]] [[Poor Law Union]], a group of parishes which collectively administered their responsibilities under the [[poor laws]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Higginbotham |first=Peter |title=Edmonton Workhouse |url=http://www.workhouses.org.uk/Edmonton/ |website=The Workhouse |access-date=3 June 2025}}</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>{{cite journal |title=At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 13th day of July 1850 |journal=London Gazette |date=16 July 1850 |issue=21117 |pages=1988–1989 |url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/21117/page/1988 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Minutes of Cheshunt Local Board of Health, October 1850 to October 1872 (LBH6/1/1) |url=https://archives.hertfordshire.gov.uk/collections/getrecord/GB46_CLBH_6_1_1_1 |website=Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Cheshunt: The Board of Health |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/ |access-date=3 June 2025 |work=Hertford Mercury |publisher=The British Newspaper Archive |date=16 November 1850 |page=3}}</ref> Such districts were reconstituted as [[Urban district (England and Wales)|urban districts]] under the [[Local Government Act 1894]].<ref name="VisionUD">{{cite web |url=https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10042094 |title=Cheshunt Urban District, ''A Vision of Britain through Time'' |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Cheshunt Urban District Council coat of arms.jpg|thumb|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>{{cite book |title=Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire |date=1890 |location=London |page=738 |url=http://specialcollections.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4/id/43284/rec/1 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire |date=1899 |location=London |page=73 |url=http://specialcollections.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4/id/48102/rec/4 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> It later moved to the Manor House at 22 Turners Hill, a substantial 1860s house.<ref>{{cite book |title=Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire |date=1902 |location=London |page=72 |url=http://specialcollections.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4/id/315464/rec/5 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> Cheshunt Public Library was built in the Manor House grounds in 1907.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1100575|desc=Cheshunt Public Library, Turners Hill|fewer-links=yes}}</ref> In 1944, the urban district council was granted its own [[coat of arms]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Urban District Council |url=https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/wiki/Cheshunt |website=Heraldry of the World |access-date=3 June 2025 |archive-date=19 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219103809/https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/wiki/Cheshunt |url-status=dead }}</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 area|unparished]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Election Maps |url=https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/election-maps/gb/ |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=6 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |last1=Blatchley |first1=Nicholas |title=Bishops College, Cheshunt |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/places/civic-buildings/bishops-college-cheshunt |website=Herts Memories |access-date=12 May 2023 |date=8 April 2022}}</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.{{fact|date=October 2025}}

=== Retail and corporate presence ===
[[File:Demolition of Tesco plc offices, Cheshunt.jpg|thumb|right|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>{{cite news |title=Cheshunt Lakeside plans for 1,800 homes and new primary school submitted to Broxbourne Council |url=https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/cheshunt-lakeside-plans-1800-homes-1393685 |work=Hertfordshire Mercury |date=20 March 2018 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Torrance |first=Jack |title=Site of Tesco's former Cheshunt HQ to be replaced by 1,700 homes |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2019/06/26/site-tescos-former-cheshunt-hq-replaced-1700-homes/ |work=The Telegraph |date=26 June 2019 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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 agent]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shops at Brookfield Shopping Centre |url=https://www.brookfieldshoppingcentre.co.uk/shops |publisher=Brookfield Shopping Centre |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>[[File:Boots Store at Retail Park, Halfhide Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire - geograph.org.uk - 99100.jpg|thumb|right|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>{{cite web |title=Brookfield developments given the go ahead |date=23 June 2023 |url=https://www.built-environment-networking.com/news/brookfield-developments-given-the-go-ahead/ |publisher=Built Environment Networking |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=New 1,250 home garden community coming to Broxbourne – everything you need to know |date=23 June 2023 |url=https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/news/hertfordshire-news/new-1250-home-garden-community-8546927 |publisher=HertsLive |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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.{{fact|date=October 2025}}

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>{{cite web |title=Hertfordshire Limited 2024 |url=https://www2.grantthornton.co.uk/rs/445-UIT-144/images/Hertfordshire%20Limited%202024.pdf |publisher=Grant Thornton |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>{{fv|reason=While this PDF lists the two named companies within the top 5 of "Hertfordshire's Top 100 companies", it doesn't connect EITHER company to Cheshunt. In fact, Cheshunt isn't mentioned ANYWHERE in this source.|date=October 2025}}

=== Industrial and logistics developments ===

Theobalds Business Park in Cheshunt has become a focal point for industrial and technological growth.{{tone inline|date=July 2025}} 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.{{fact|date=October 2025}} The project is expected{{by whom|date=July 2025}} to generate over £4&nbsp;million in social impact through job creation and environmental initiatives.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pigeon breaks ground at landmark Cheshunt project |date=11 March 2025 |url=https://www.pigeon.co.uk/pigeon-breaks-ground-at-landmark-cheshunt-project/ |publisher=Pigeon Ltd |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pigeon secures multi-million-pound green loan for eco-friendly industrial development |url=https://www.virginmoneyukplc.com/newsroom/article/pigeon-secures-loan/ |publisher=Virgin Money UK |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

Adjacent to MAX50, Google is constructing its first UK data centre on a 33-acre site within Theobalds Business Park. This $1&nbsp;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,{{tone inline|date=July 2025}} aiming for 90% carbon-free operations by 2025, and includes provisions for off-site heat recovery to benefit the local community.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google's $1 billion investment in a new UK data centre |url=https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-europe/united-kingdom/google-1-billion-investment-in-a-new-uk-data-centre/ |publisher=Google |date=19 January 2024 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Google set to build new data centre in Cheshunt |url=https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/news/article/321/google-set-to-build-new-data-centre-in-cheshunt |publisher=Broxbourne Borough Council |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

Theobalds Business Park also hosts the Theobalds Enterprise Centre, a £10&nbsp;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>{{cite web |title=Theobalds Enterprise Centre is set to open in early 2023 to serve SMEs and start-ups |url=https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/news/article/258/theobalds-enterprise-centre-is-set-to-open-in-early-2023-to-serve-smes-and-start-ups |publisher=Broxbourne Borough Council |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Theobalds Enterprise Centre |url=https://www.broxbourneec.co.uk/locations/theobalds-enterprise-centre/ |publisher=Broxbourne Enterprise Centres |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Hospitality ===

The Delta Hotels by [[Marriott Hotels & Resorts|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>{{cite web |title=Focus Hotels opens Delta Hotels by Marriott Cheshunt |url=https://www.hotelowner.co.uk/156825-focus-hotels-opens-delta-hotels-by-marriott-cheshunt/ |publisher=Hotel Owner |date=3 February 2022 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Delta by Marriott to add Hertfordshire property |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2022/02/03/delta-by-marriott-to-add-hertfordshire-property/ |publisher=Business Traveller |date=3 February 2022 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Automotive engineering ===
[[File:Lotus 23B (24021468771).jpg|thumb|right|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 Cars|Lotus]] won two Formula One Constructors' Championships (in 1963 and 1965). The company moved its operations to [[Hethel]], Norfolk, in 1966.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lotus Cars – Cheshunt |url=https://www.britainbycar.co.uk/cheshunt/214-lotus-cars |publisher=Britain By Car |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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,{{how|date=July 2025}} 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>{{cite web |title=Rochfords: the start of a dynasty |date=28 March 2015 |url=https://thegardenhistory.blog/2015/03/28/rochfords-the-start-of-a-dynasty/ |publisher=The Garden History Blog |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Transportation and trade ===
[[File:Herts Young Mariners Base, Cheshunt - geograph.org.uk - 4954616.jpg|thumb|right|Herts Young Mariners Base, Cheshunt]]

The [[Lee Navigation|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>{{cite web |title=An introduction to the Lee Navigation (River Lea) |url=https://londoncanals.uk/river/an-introduction-to-the-lee-navigation-river-lea/ |publisher=London Canals |access-date=4 June 2025 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</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>{{cite web |title=Withdrawn chemicals |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/prevention-protection/withdrawn-chemicals |publisher=Royal Horticultural Society |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

== Education ==
Cheshunt is served by a variety of educational institutions, including state-funded primary and secondary schools, as well as faith-based academies.{{fact|date=October 2025}}

=== 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>[https://www.dewhurst.herts.sch.uk/Our-School-History/ 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>[https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/117492 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:

* '''[[Goffs Academy]]''', Goffs Lane.
* '''[[Goffs-Churchgate Academy]]''', College Road (formally Cheshunt School<ref>{{cite web | title=Cheshunt School - GOV.UK | url=https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/117596 }}</ref>).
* '''[[Haileybury Turnford]]''', Mill Lane – formerly Turnford School, it became an academy in 2015 and is sponsored by Haileybury and Imperial Service College.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cocking |first=Lewis |title=Calling for the protection of Independent-State School Partnerships |url=https://www.lewiscocking.uk/news/calling-protection-independent-state-school-partnerships |website=lewiscocking.uk |date=8 October 2024 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref>
* '''[[St Mary's Church of England High School]]''', Lieutenant Ellis Way – originally established in 1958, relocated in 2010, and became an academy in 2012.<ref>url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118025032/https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Cheshunt-and-Waltham/St-Marys-High-School-celebrates-good-Ofsted.htm |work=Hertfordshire Mercury |date=15 January 2011 |access-date=3 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118025032/https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Cheshunt-and-Waltham/St-Marys-High-School-celebrates-good-Ofsted.htm</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Project Example: St Mary's High School, Cheshunt |url=https://www.wormburp.com/project-stmarys.htm |website=Wormald Burrows Partnership Ltd |access-date=3 June 2025 |archive-date=22 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122154844/http://www.wormburp.com/project-stmarys.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== 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:

* '''[[Hertford Regional College]]''', located in neighbouring [[Turnford, Hertfordshire|Turnford]], offers further and higher education programmes. These include apprenticeships, vocational training and university-level courses.<ref>{{cite web |title=University Level Courses |url=https://www.hrc.ac.uk/study-areas/university-level |website=Hertford Regional College |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hertford Regional College |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/student/into-university/az-uni-colleges/hertford-regional-college-458948.html |work=The Independent |date=12 August 2013 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Partner Colleges |url=https://www.greenwichsu.co.uk/gsuhub/partnercolleges/ |website=Greenwich Students' Union |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref>

* '''[[Capel Manor College]]''', in nearby Enfield, provides land-based and environmental education, including higher education courses.<ref>{{cite web |title=Higher Education |url=https://www.capel.ac.uk/study/higher-education/ |website=Capel Manor College |access-date=3 June 2025}}{{dead link|date=July 2025}}</ref>

* The '''[[University of Hertfordshire]]''', in [[Hatfield, Hertfordshire|Hatfield]] approximately 15 miles from Cheshunt, offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hertfordshire Higher Education Consortium |url=https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/schools-of-study/hertfordshire-higher-education-consortium |website=University of Hertfordshire |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref>

== 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, London|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>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Train Station Information |url=https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/station-information/chn |publisher=Greater Anglia |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

In 2024, the [[London Overground]] line serving Cheshunt was officially renamed the ''Weaver line'' as part of a network-wide rebranding initiative.<ref>{{cite web |title=London Overground rebrand goes live: Here are the new names and colours of the lines |url=https://news.sky.com/story/london-overground-rebrand-goes-live-here-are-the-new-names-and-colours-of-the-lines-13262211 |website=Sky News |date=28 November 2024 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Naming the London Overground Lines |url=https://madeby.tfl.gov.uk/2024/02/15/overground_line_names/ |website=Made by TfL |date=15 February 2024 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt – Crossrail 2 |url=https://crossrail2.co.uk/stations/cheshunt/ |publisher=Crossrail 2 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=London's railway of the future is finally here |url=https://www.engadget.com/crossrail-elizabeth-line-london-2022-opening-interview-101544622.html |website=Engadget |date=23 May 2022 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Road ===

Cheshunt is strategically positioned along the [[A10 road (England)|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>{{cite web |title=Plans unveiled to improve several junctions on the A10 in Cheshunt |url=https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/plans-unveiled-to-improve-several-junctions-on-the-a10-in-cheshunt/ |publisher=InYourArea |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Routes, timetables & maps |url=https://www.intalink.org.uk/services |publisher=Intalink |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Cycling ===

[[National Cycle Route 1]] passes through Cheshunt, forming part of a larger network from [[Dover]] to the [[Shetland Islands]]. The [[Lea Valley|Lee Valley Country Park]] provides scenic and practical cycling and walking routes along the [[River Lea]], linking Cheshunt with [[Ware, Hertfordshire|Ware]], [[Hoddesdon]], [[Waltham Abbey]], [[Tottenham]], and [[Stratford, London|Stratford]].<ref>{{cite web |title=London Docklands and Lea Valley |url=https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/london-docklands-and-lea-valley/ |publisher=Sustrans |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

As part of the [[Connect2]] project funded by the [[National Lottery Community Fund|Big Lottery Fund]], the Paul Cully Bridge was constructed in 2010 to provide a safe cycle and pedestrian route over the [[A10 road (England)|A10]]. This bridge links Theobalds Lane with Lieutenant Ellis Way and expands the cycling infrastructure in the area.<ref>{{cite web |title=New cycling bridge opens in Hertfordshire |url=https://bikebiz.com/new-cycling-bridge-opens-in-hertfordshire/ |publisher=BikeBiz |date=12 November 2010 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

== Sport ==

=== Football ===

[[File:Cfc 2005-06.jpg|thumb|right|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>{{cite web |title=Theobalds Lane |url=https://www.nonleaguegrounds.com/regions/east-of-england/theobalds-lane/ |publisher=Non-League Grounds |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref> The former professional footballer [[Iain Dowie]] played for the club during the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |last=Donnelly |first=J.C. |title=Iain Dowie |url=https://nifootball.blogspot.com/2006/10/iain-dowie.html |website=Northern Ireland Football Greats |date=31 October 2006 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref>

[[F.C. Romania]], established in 2006 by Romanian immigrants, also shares Theobalds Lane Stadium. The club competes in the [[Spartan South Midlands Football League|Spartan South Midlands League]] Premier Division and has been part of the Cheshunt football scene since 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=FC Romania |url=https://southern-football-league.co.uk/team/Ware/2492//p |publisher=Southern Football League |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Tottenham Hotspur Training Ground – The Spurs News |url=https://www.thespurs.news/club/training-ground/ |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Rugby Club |url=https://www.cheshuntrugby.co.uk/ |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Rosedale Cricket Club |url=https://www.cheshuntrosedale.co.uk/ |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Park Golf Course |date=8 October 2021 |url=https://bebroxbourne.co.uk/centres/cheshunt-park-golf-course/ |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Herts Young Mariners Base |url=https://www.hymb.com/ |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About HYMB |url=https://www.hymb.com/about.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514023410/http://www.hymb.com/about.htm |archive-date=14 May 2010 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Laura Trott Leisure Centre – Be.Broxbourne |date=24 August 2021 |url=https://bebroxbourne.co.uk/centres/laura-trott/ |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Community Sports Park |url=https://www.cheshuntcsp.com/ |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=Full Freeview on the Crystal Palace (Greater London, England) transmitter |url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Crystal_Palace |publisher=UK Free TV |date=1 May 2004 |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web |title=BBC Three Counties Radio – Listen Live |url=https://www.liveradio.ie/stations/bbc-three-counties-radio |website=LiveRadio.ie |access-date=4 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Public File – Hertfordshire |url=https://www.heart.co.uk/public-file/watford/ |website=Heart |access-date=4 June 2025}}</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>{{cite web | title=Cheshunt & Waltham Mercury &#124; British Newspapers Online | date=August 2013 | url=https://www.britishpapers.co.uk/england-eang/cheshunt-waltham-mercury/ }}</ref>

== Notable people ==
[[File:Cliff Richard (8454755151).jpg|thumb|Cliff Richard performing in Sydney, Australia]]
<!---♦♦♦ List organised by century, then alphabetically by LAST NAME within each century ♦♦♦--->
<!-- ✳️ Grouped by period of notable association with Cheshunt, not strictly by birth/death. Figures are placed according to when they lived in Cheshunt or rose to prominence, not the century of their birth. -->

=== 16th century ===
* [[Queen Elizabeth I]] – Stayed in Cheshunt during her youth.<ref>{{cite web |title=Elizabeth, Queen of England (Part One) |url=https://tudorsdynasty.com/elizabeth-queen-england-part-one/ |website=Tudors Dynasty |date=10 December 2017 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Cardinal Wolsey]] – Granted land in Cheshunt by King Henry VIII; the remains of his manor, Cheshunt Great House, are located at Goffs Lane.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cheshunt Great House (Remains) |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/places/historic-houses/cheshunt-great-house-remains |website=Herts Memories |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>

=== 17th century ===
* [[Richard Cromwell]] – From the 1690s until his death in 1712, Richard Cromwell lived in Cheshunt, where he died.<ref>{{cite web |title=Richard Cromwell |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/people/famous-infamous/richard_cromwell |website=Herts Memories |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[James VI and I|King James I]] – Died at Theobalds Palace in Cheshunt in 1625.<ref>{{cite web |title=Theobalds Palace |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/places/historic-houses/theobalds_palace |website=Herts Memories |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>

=== 20th century ===
[[File:Victoria Beckham 2010.jpg|thumb|150px|Victoria Beckham in 2010]]

* [[Victoria Beckham]] – Singer and fashion designer; attended St Mary's High School in Cheshunt during the 1980s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Where is Victoria Beckham From? |url=https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/tv-and-film/where-is-victoria-beckham-from-working-class/ |work=Grazia |date=5 October 2023 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[David Bentley]] – Footballer with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur; grew up in Cheshunt during the 1990s.<ref>{{cite news |title=David Bentley: The man who left Arsenal |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/david-bentley-the-man-who-left-arsenal-436686.html |work=The Independent |date=18 February 2007 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Phillip Cottrell]] – BBC journalist who grew up in Cheshunt and attended Cheshunt School.<ref>{{cite web |title=Phillip Cottrell Biography |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-20594454 |website=BBC News |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
*[[Eric Christiansen]] (1937–2016) – A medieval historian and fellow emeritus of New College, Oxford. Born in Cheshunt.
* [[John Dalton (musician)|John Dalton]] – Bass guitarist for The Kinks; attended Cheshunt Secondary Modern School.<ref>{{cite web |title=John Dalton Biography |url=https://john-dalton.kastoffkinks.co.uk/ |website=Kast Off Kinks |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Michael Dobbs|Lord Dobbs]] – Writer and politician; known for the "House of Cards" series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Dobbs |url=https://www.michaeldobbs.com/ |website=Official website of Michael Dobbs |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Greg Lincoln]] – Former professional footballer and current coach; born in Cheshunt in 1980.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greg Lincoln Stats |url=https://fbref.com/en/players/87f808be/Greg-Lincoln |website=FBref.com |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gregory Dean Lincoln – Footballer |url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j91179.html |website=BDFutbol |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Ralph Creed Meredith]] – Chaplain to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. Lead the Parish of Cheshunt in 1932<ref>{{cite web |title=Ralph Creed Meredith |url=https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/people/famous-infamous/ralph-creed-meredith |website=Herts Memories |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Linda Lusardi]] – Former glamour model and actress; longtime Cheshunt resident.<ref>{{cite web |title=Linda Lusardi Interview |url=https://www.hertfordshirelife.co.uk/people/celebrity-interviews/linda-lusardi-on-life-in-cheshunt-1-4461601 |website=Hertfordshire Life |access-date=1 June 2025 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* [[Andy Parker (musician)|Andy Parker]] – Drummer and founding member of the rock band UFO; born in Cheshunt in 1952.<ref>{{cite web |title=Andy Parker Biography |url=https://www.111-net.co.uk/andy/bio.htm |website=111-net.co.uk |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Cliff Richard]] – Singer, musician, and actor; lived in Cheshunt in the 1940s/50s.<ref name="Hertfordshire Mercury"/>

=== 21st century ===
[[File:Laura Trott's Gold Post Box - geograph.org.uk - 3165379.jpg|thumb|Laura Trott's gold post box on Cadmore Lane, Cheshunt, painted in honour of her 2012 Olympic gold medal.]]

* [[Zai Bennett]] – Television executive; attended Goffs School in Cheshunt.{{fact|date=October 2025}}
* [[Michael Birch (businessman)|Michael Birch]] – Tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Bebo.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bebo founder pays $1m to buy back site sold for $850m |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/02/bebo-founder-buys-back-site |work=The Guardian |date=2 July 2013 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Ryan Mason]] – Footballer and interim Tottenham Hotspur manager; attended Cheshunt School.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ryan Mason returns to manage Spurs |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/ryan-mason-tottenham-manager-conte-latest-news-b1077479.html |website=Evening Standard |date=24 April 2023 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Declan McKenna]] – Indie rock musician who rose to fame in the 2010s.<ref>{{cite news |title=¿Quién es Declan McKenna, el telonero de Imagine Dragons en Madrid y Barcelona? |url=https://los40.com/2024/09/11/quien-es-declan-mckenna-el-telonero-de-imagine-dragons-en-madrid-y-barcelona/ |work=Los 40 |date=11 September 2024 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Rebecca Morelle]] – BBC Science Editor; attended Goffs School in Cheshunt.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rebecca Morelle Biography |url=https://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/interview-bbc-science-editor-rebecca-morelle |website=University of Oxford |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Billy Joe Saunders]] – Professional boxer, active from the 2010s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Smashed eye socket – Canelo Alvarez doesn't hesitate naming boxer he hated most during glittering career |url=https://talksport.com/boxing/2071327/canelo-alvarez-billy-joe-saunders-eye-socket-ko/ |work=TalkSport |date=8 May 2021 |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Emma Trott]] – Retired professional cyclist; born in Cheshunt in 1989. She rode for the Dutch women's professional team [[Team SD Worx–Protime|Dolmans-Boels]] from the 2012 to the 2014 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Emma Trott Profile |url=https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/emma-trott |website=ProCyclingStats |access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
* [[Laura Kenny|Laura Trott]] (now Laura Kenny) –  Six-time Olympic medal-winning cyclist (2012–2020); grew up in Cheshunt.

== Town twinning ==

Cheshunt is twinned with [[Stains, Seine-Saint-Denis|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>{{cite web |title=List of Twinned Towns |url=https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/community/twin-towns/1 |website=Broxbourne Borough Council |access-date=4 June 2025 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Burnt Farm Cottage]] – a listed building in Cheshunt
* [[Lee Valley Park]] – regional park bordering the town
*[[Cheshunt Lock]] – part of the River Lea Navigation
* [[New River (London)|New River]] – early 17th-century aqueduct passing through Cheshunt
* [[Theobalds Palace]] – historic royal palace once located in Cheshunt
* [[Laura Kenny]] – Olympic cyclist from Cheshunt
* [[Cheshunt railway station]]
* [[Broxbourne Borough Council]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120818103308/http://www.hertfordshiregenealogy.co.uk/Hertfordshire-Towns-Villages/Cheshunt/index.html Hertfordshiregenealogy.co.uk - Cheshunt History] (archived 2012)

{{Hertfordshire}}
{{Civil parishes of Hertfordshire}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cheshunt| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Hertfordshire]]
[[Category:Unparished areas in Hertfordshire]]
[[Category:Borough of Broxbourne]]
[[Category:Aviation accidents and incidents locations in England]]