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{{Short description|Village in Hertfordshire, England}}
{{For|the Buggles song|Elstree (song)}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{infobox UK place
| country                  = England
| official_name            = Elstree
| static_image_name        = Elstree, Watling Street - geograph.org.uk - 86008.jpg
| static_image_caption     = Watling Street, Elstree
| civil_parish             = [[Elstree and Borehamwood]]
| coordinates              = {{coord|51|38|37|N|0|17|57|W|display=inline,title}}
| population               = 5,110
| population_ref           = (Ward, 2011)<ref name=2011census>{{NOMIS2011|id=1237323765|title=Elstree 2011 Census Ward|access-date=17 March 2018}}</ref>
| shire_district           = [[Hertsmere]]
| shire_county             = [[Hertfordshire]]
| region                   = East of England
| constituency_westminster = [[Hertsmere (UK Parliament constituency)|Hertsmere]]
| post_town                = BOREHAMWOOD
| postcode_district        = WD6
| postcode_area            = WD
| dial_code                = 020
| os_grid_reference        = TQ175955
}}
'''Elstree''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɛ|l|z|t|r|i}} is a large village in the [[Hertsmere]] borough of [[Hertfordshire]], England. It is about {{convert|11.5|mi|km|abbr=off}} northwest of central London on the former [[A5 road (Great Britain)|A5]] road, which follows the course of [[Watling Street]]. In 2011, its population was 5,110.<ref name=2011census /> It forms part of the [[civil parish]] of [[Elstree and Borehamwood]], originally known simply as Elstree.

The village often lends its shorter name to businesses and amenities in the adjacent town of [[Borehamwood]], and the names of Elstree and Borehamwood are used interchangeably. Elstree is perhaps best known for multiple [[Elstree Studios|Elstree Film Studio]] complexes, where many films were made, including [[BBC Elstree Centre]], where the TV soap opera ''[[EastEnders]]'' is shot. This production centre is actually in Borehamwood.

The local newspaper is the ''Borehamwood and Elstree Times''.<ref>''[http://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/ Borehamwood and Elstree Times]'' (Website). This was originally the ''Boreham Wood and Elstree Post'', and before that, ''Boreham Wood & Elstree Local'' (see [http://explore.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/display.do?tabs=moreTab&ct=display&fn=search&doc=BLL01013897023 British Library record])</ref> Together with Borehamwood, the village is twinned with [[Offenburg]] in Germany, [[Fontenay-aux-Roses]] in France, and [[Huainan]] in China.<ref>"[http://www.betta.org.uk/ The Borehamwood and Elstree Twin Town Association]" website. Retrieved 22 September 2011</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.elstreeborehamwood-tc.gov.uk/index.php/yourtown/huainan-china-sister-town |title=Huainan – China Sister Town |access-date=5 July 2018 |archive-date=5 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705232950/http://www.elstreeborehamwood-tc.gov.uk/index.php/yourtown/huainan-china-sister-town |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Elstree war memorial.jpg|thumb|Elstree War Memorial, Elstree Hill North]]

=== Etymology ===
The name "Elstree" derives from the [[Old English|Anglo-Saxon]] phrase for "Tidwulf's Tree", which is mentioned as ''"Tidulfres treow" '' in an 11–12th-century manuscript of an A.D. 786 charter.<ref>George Salveson & Lyn Blackmore, "Excavations at Elstree Hill South, 1981 – 1983", ''Transactions of the London & Middlesex Archaeological Society'', Volume 36, 1985. ([http://www.lamas.org.uk/ Website])(Google Books [https://books.google.com/books?id=a4lnAAAAMAAJ&q=Tidwulfs snippet])</ref><ref>John Field, "Discovering Place-Names: A Pocket Guide to Over 1500 Place-names in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales", Issue 102 of Shire Discovering, Publisher Osprey Publishing, 2008, {{ISBN|0-7478-0617-9}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7478-0617-2}}, 72 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=SR8FnSFQ0WgC&dq=Tidwulf's%20tree&pg=PA23 page 23])</ref> It is thought that "the "T" [was] lost in the [[rebracketing|wrong division]] of <nowiki>'</nowiki>''aet Tidwulfes treo''<nowiki>'</nowiki><ref>Gover, J.E.B.; Mawer, A.; Stenton, F.M. eds., "The place-names of Hertfordshire", English
Place-Name Society, 15 (1938)</ref> ("at Tidwulf's Tree")."

A reference to a place in Hertford as "Ilestre" in 1460 may also be a variation.  <ref> entry number 6 in a membrane from the Plea Rolls of the Court of Common Pleas: CP 40/799, with John Lyon as plaintiff, line 3, in Latin;  
 http://aalt.law.uh.edu/AALT1/H6/CP40no799/aCP40no799fronts/IMG_0727.htm </ref>

In 1723, [[topographer]] [[John Norden]] noted in his book ''[[Speculum Britanniae]]'', that in the county of Hartfordshire{{sic}} was one "Elstre or Eglestre".<ref>John Norden, ''Speculum Britanniæ: an historical and chorographical description of Middlesex and Hartfordshire'', Published 1723 ([https://books.google.com/books?id=gpFbAAAAQAAJ&dq=elstre&pg=PA65 page 5 (65)])</ref> In an earlier edition, he writes:<ref>''Speculi Britan[n]iae'' pars the description of Hartfordshire by Iohn Norden., London, Printed by Thomas Dawson, 1598 (page 17)</ref>
:"ELSTREE n. 20. in OFFAES grant EAGLESTRE
:''Nemus aquilinum'': a place wherit may be thought Eagles bredd in time past, for though it be nowe hilly and heathy – it hath beene replenished with stately trees, fit for such fowle to breede and harbour in. It is parcell of the libertie of ''S. Albans''.
''Nemus aquilinum'' is the Latin for "grove of eagles".

''[[Robinson Crusoe]]'' author, [[Daniel Defoe]] wrote in his 1748 travel guide that:
:"Idlestrey or Elstre, is a Village on the Roman Watling-street, on the very Edge of Middlesex; but it is chiefly noted for its Situation, near Brockly-hill, by Stanmore, which affords a lovely View cross Middlesex, over the Thames, into Surry."<ref>Daniel Defoe, ''A tour through the whole island of Great Britain: Divided into circuits or journeys'', Printed for S. Birt, T. Osborne, 1748. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=HSgJAAAAQAAJ&q=elstre&pg=PA175 page 175])</ref>

In 1811, topographer [[Daniel Lysons (antiquarian)|Daniel Lysons]] writes:
:"The name of this place has been variously written; — Eaglestree, Elstree, Ilstrye, Idlestrye, etc. Norden says that it is called, in Offa's grant to the Abbey of St. Alban's, Eaglestree, that is, says he, "''Nemus aquilinum'', a 'place where it may be thought that eagles bred in time past'." It has been derived also from Idel-street, i.e. the noble road; and Ill-street, the decayed road. May it not have been, rather, a corruption of Eald-street, the old road, i.e. the ancient [[Watling Street|Watling-street]], upon which it is situated?"<ref>Daniel Lysons, ''The Environs of London: pt.1. Surrey. Volume 1, Part 2 of The Environs of London: Being an Historical Account of the Towns, Villages, and Hamlets, Within Twelve Miles of that Capital: Interspersed with Biographical Anecdotes'', Printed for T. Cadell and W. Davies, 1811. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=JJcjAQAAMAAJ&dq=elstree&pg=PA767 page 767])</ref>

=== 5th century: Battle of Ailestreu (Elstree) ===
In the 5th century, [[Britons (historical)|British]] warlord [[Vortigern]] and his two sons, [[Vortimer]] and [[Catigern]], took part in the Battle of Elstree, then called the Battle of Ailestreu,<ref>Edw Stillingfleet, Origines Britannicae; or, the antiquities of the British churches. Publisher University Press, 1842, 582 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=fNAAAAAAcAAJ&dq=ailestreu+vortimer&pg=PA482 page 482])</ref> where the Saxon [[Horsa]] was killed. It's possible there is confusion with the [[List of Anglo-Welsh Wars#Fifth Century|Battle of Aylesbury]]. George Moberly writes:

:"[[Nennius]], [[Monumenta Historica Britannica|MHB]] p. 69, calls the place of battle where [[Hengist and Horsa|Hors]] fell Episford; Britannicè 'Sathenegabail' = the Saxon battle. The Saxon Chronicle, ad a. 455, calls it Ægæles-threp, and [[Henry of Huntingdon]], M.H.B. p. 708, Ailestreu. This would naturally be Elstree, of which name there is a place in Herts; but [[Beda]]'s description of its situation has caused it rather to be referred to [[Aylesford]] in Kent, near which is a small village called Horsted."<ref>Venerabilis Baedae, George H. Moberly (ed.), ''Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, Historia abbatum, et Epistola ad Ecgberctum, cum Epistola Bonifacii ad Cudberthum; Publ. 1881 Oxonii: E Typographeo Clarendoniano ([https://books.google.com/books?id=9nLPAAAAMAAJ&q=elstree&pg=PA37 page 37])</ref>

=== 16th–18th centuries ===
The Manor of Elstree was formerly included in the Manor of Parkbury, and belonged to the [[Abbey of St. Albans]]. On the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]], it was granted by [[Henry VIII]], to [[Anthony Denny]] (1501–1549).<ref name="lysons1796">Daniel Lysons, ''The Environs of London: Counties of Herts, Essex & Kent. Volume 4 of The Environs of London: Being an Historical Account of the Towns, Villages and Hamlets, Within Twelve Miles of that Capital'', Publisher T. Cadell, 1796 ([https://books.google.com/books?id=LPxBAAAAYAAJ&dq=elstree+denny&pg=PA25 page 25])</ref><ref>J. Britton and E. W. Brayley, ''The beauties of England and Wales; or, Delineations... of each county'', Publ. 1808 ([https://books.google.com/books?id=KXFbAAAAQAAJ&dq=elstree+denny+henry&pg=PA316 page 316])</ref>

In 1607, Anthony Denny's grandson [[Sir Edward Denny, 4th Baronet|Edward Denny]] sold part of the estate, with all manorial rights, to Robert Briscoe, who sold it the same year to [[Baptist Hicks, 1st Viscount Campden|Sir Baptist Hicks]]. Part of the estate became the Manor of Boreham, and was sold to Edward Beauchamp. It remained with the [[Proctor-Beauchamp Baronets|Beauchamp-Proctor family]] until 1748,<ref>"The twelve churches; or, tracings along the Watling Street", Publisher Rivingtons, 1860, 56 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=xJ8_AAAAYAAJ&dq=%22manor+of+boreham%22&pg=PA40 page 40])</ref> when it was sold to [[James West (antiquary)|James West]], M.P. for St. Albans, who, in or about 1751, alienated it to a Mr Gulston of Widdial{{Clarify|date=April 2012}}. Gulston then sold it to a Mr Pigfatt, a gunsmith, who, within a few years, conveyed it to Thomas Jemmet. In 1774 it was purchased from Mr Jemmet by the late [[George Byng (1735–1789)|George Byng]], M.P. for Middlesex, who passed it on to his son, by which time the estate was called the Manor of Boreham.<ref name="lysons1796" />

In 1776, the House of Lords granted:
:"An Act for dividing and closing the Common or Waste Ground, called Boreham Wood Common, in the Parish of Elstree otherwise Idletree, in the County of Hertford."<ref><Journals of the House of Lords, Volume 34, Publisher HMSO, 1774 ([https://books.google.com/books?id=JxpDAAAAcAAJ&dq=elftree&pg=PA614 page 614])</ref>

In 1796 topographer [[Daniel Lysons (antiquarian)|Daniel Lysons]] writes:
:"The parish of Elstree contains about 3,000 acres of land, which is divided between arable and pasture nearly in an equal proportion. The soil is, for the most part, clay. Boreham Wood, a waste of nearly 700 acres, was inclosed about the year 1778, and is now in culture. This parish pays the sum of £151 11s 0d to the land-tax, which is raised by a rate of about 1s 9d in the pound".<ref>Daniel Lysons, ''The Environs of London: Counties of Herts, Essex & Kent. Volume 4 of The Environs of London: Being an Historical Account of the Towns, Villages, and Hamlets, Within Twelve Miles of that Capital'', Publisher T. Cadell, 1796</ref>

== Transport ==

=== Elstree and Borehamwood railway station ===
[[File:Elstree railway station geograph-2206485.jpg|thumb| Northbound steam train passing through [[Elstree & Borehamwood railway station]] on 27 March 1954]]
[[Elstree & Borehamwood railway station]] is on the [[Midland Main Line]] between [[St Pancras railway station|London St Pancras]] and [[Bedford railway station|Bedford]]. It was built by the [[Midland Railway]] in 1868, and is located just north of the {{convert|1072|yd|m|adj=mid|-long}} Elstree Tunnels.<ref>E. A. Labrum, ''Civil engineering heritage: Eastern and central England'', Publisher Thomas Telford, 1994, {{ISBN|0-7277-1970-X}}, 9780727719706, 282 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=Offfz1NSDt0C&dq=%22Midland+Railway%22+1868+elstree&pg=PA197 page 197])</ref>

The area of Borehamwood to the west of the railway line, formally [[Deacon's Hill]], is colloquially called ''Elstree'' even though it is not contiguous with the village. [[Elstree South tube station|Elstree South Underground station]] was due to be an extension of the [[Northern line]], planned in the 1930s, but never completed.

=== Road links ===
The old [[A5 road (Great Britain)|A5 road]] ([[Watling Street]]) goes through Elstree village, where it is designated as the [[A5183 road]]. Through the village, the road is called (from south to north) Elstree Hill South, High Street and Elstree Hill North. The 18th century Grade II listed building, Elstree Hill House, is still on Elstree Hill South, and used to be the home of the old [[Elstree School]] (see Schools). In the early 1900s, it was noted that:
:".. the hill roads are remarkably direct and seldom curve to avoid the steep pitch, and it has been suggested that the roads were originally slides for the timber which used to be sent to London for fuel."<ref>'[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=43292&strquery=elstree Parishes: Elstree]', A History of the County of Hertford: volume 2 (1908), pp. 349–351. Date accessed: 20 September 2011. Refers to "Middlesex and Herts Notes and Queries, ii, 190"</ref>

=== Elstree Aerodrome ===
[[Elstree Aerodrome]] is licensed by the CAA and has a {{convert|2150|ft|yd m|0|adj=on}}<!--717 yards--> paved runway, suitable most for light aircraft and turbine powered G A aircraft. It also is one of the main helicopter centres for north London and is extending its provision in this area.
In the early 1930s it was a grass landing strip for the local Aldenham House country club.<ref>Richard Riding and Grant Peerless, ''Elstree Aerodrome: The Past in Pictures'', The History Press Ltd (26 November 2003), {{ISBN|0-7509-3412-3}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7509-3412-1}}, 192 pages. (Back cover)</ref> A concrete runway was put down during [[World War II]], and [[Wellington Bomber]]s were modified here.<ref>John M. Houlder, C.B.E., "[http://www.firecrestaviation.co.uk/documents/History%20of%20Elstree%20Aerodrome.pdf History of Elstree Aerodrome] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402164949/http://www.firecrestaviation.co.uk/documents/History%20of%20Elstree%20Aerodrome.pdf |date=2 April 2012 }}", at [http://www.firecrestaviation.co.uk/ Firecrest Aviation Ltd] website. Retrieved 20 September 2011</ref> After World War II the airfield was initially used to fly in converted Halifaxes stacked with food supplies to supplement the depleted British stocks; however, after an overloaded plane damaged the runway it was no longer used for this purpose.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.londonelstree.com/history-of-elstree|title=Elstree – History & Photos|website=Elstree|language=en|access-date=8 March 2020}}</ref>

On 29 November 1975, retired [[Formula One]] race car driver and [[Embassy Hill]] car owner [[Graham Hill]] and his racing driver [[Tony Brise]] were piloting a twin-engine six-seat [[Piper PA-23]]-250 Aztec (N6645Y) from France to London with four additional team members aboard. All six were killed when it crashed and burned in heavy fog on Arkley Golf Course, {{convert|3|mi|0}} short of the runway.<ref name=pckdpu>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=q-4bAAAAIBAJ&sjid=nlYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4438%2C6718095 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Press |location=Pennsylvania, U.S. |agency=United Press International |title=Plane crash kills driver Graham Hill |date=30 November 1975 |page=D-1 }}</ref><ref name=rmdthms>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ioVQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2BEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7248%2C127474 |newspaper=Milwaukee Sentinel |location=Wisconsin, U.S. |agency=United Press International |title=Racing mourns death of Graham Hill |date=1 December 1975 |page=5, part 2 |archive-date=18 September 2019 |access-date=6 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918233707/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ioVQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2BEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7248,127474 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=dbmj>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TM8hAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pp4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=699%2C105162 |newspaper=Daytona Beach Morning Journal |location=Florida, U.S. |agency=Associated Press |title=After cheating death 20 years, Hill killed in air crash |date=1 December 1975 |page=1C }}</ref>

=== London Transport works ===
London Transport's [[Aldenham Works]] was sited on the edge of Elstree close to the A41; it was opened in 1956, closed in 1986, and demolished in 1996.<ref>Aldenham Bus Works to Close ''[[LT News|LRT News]]'' issue 316 6 June 1986 page 1</ref> It is now a large business park.

=== Elstree Grange ===
Originally a 19th-century steam ship owned by the [[Houlder Line|Houlder Brothers]],<ref>''Report of the executive committee ... adopted at the annual meeting ..., Issue 15'', Publ. Newport Chamber of Commerce (Newport, England), 1899 [https://books.google.com/books?id=5xNQAAAAYAAJ&q=%22Elstree+Grange%22]</ref> the town also lends its name to a series of ships called the Elstree Grange (rebuilt 1916, 1944, 1979),<ref>''Marine news'', Volume 54, World Ship Society, 2000 ([https://books.google.com/books?id=_cxUAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Elstree+Grange%22+ page 578])</ref> at one time sunk during the [[Second World War]].<ref>John Malcolm Slader, ''The fourth service: merchantmen at war, 1939–1945'', Publisher Hale, 1994, {{ISBN|0-7090-4848-3}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7090-4848-0}}, 347 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=5RBnAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Elstree+Grange%22+sunk page 41])</ref>

== Buildings ==

=== Grade II listed buildings ===
[[File:Hollybush pub, Elstree.jpg|thumb|Holly Bush public house (15th century)]]
[[File:House at Elstree designed by E.J. May.jpg|thumb|House at Elstree designed by [[E.J. May]], and exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1887.]]
Elstree is home to a number of [[Categories of listed building|Grade II listed buildings]], including some at Grade II* (particularly important buildings), such as:
*Holly Bush public house (15th century)<ref>{{NHLE|num=1103589 |desc=Holly Bush Public House|access-date= 20 September 2011}}</ref>
*[[Aldenham House]] and stable block (c.1672)<ref>{{NHLE|num=1346891 |desc=Aldenham House and Stable Block|access-date= 20 September 2011}}</ref>
*''The Leys'', built in 1901 by Scottish architect and designer, [[George Henry Walton]].<ref>Hermann Muthesius, ''The English House, Volume 2'', Publisher Frances Lincoln ltd, 2006, {{ISBN|0-7112-2688-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7112-2688-3}}, 768 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=bMF-sLJivOwC&q=leys&pg=PA188 pages 188–190])</ref><ref>{{NHLE|num=1263392 |desc=The Leys|access-date= 20 September 2011}}</ref>

=== The Manor hotel ===
The Manor hotel, formerly known as the Edgwarebury Hotel, is located on Barnet Lane.<ref>{{cite web |title=The hotel |url=https://www.themanorelstree.co.uk/the-hotel/ |website=The Manor Elstree |access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> The Tudor-style building dates back to 1540, was converted into a hotel in the 1960s, and has featured in many TV and film productions, such as the 1968 [[Hammer Horror]] classic, ''[[The Devil Rides Out (film)|The Devil Rides Out]]''. Notable guests have included [[Peter Sellers]], [[Tom Cruise]], [[John Cleese]] and [[Stanley Kubrick]].<ref>Derek Pykett, Freddie Francis, Simon Flynn, "Edgwarebury Corus Hotel", British Horror Film Locations, Publisher: McFarland, 2008, {{ISBN|0-7864-3329-9}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7864-3329-2}}, 206 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=atktMkuOvPwC&dq=Edgwarebury&pg=PA156 page 156])</ref> It was the country home of armaments manufacturer and First Baronet [[Trevor Dawson|Sir (Arthur) Trevor Dawson]], (1866–1931).<ref name="trevordawson">Richard Davenport-Hines, 'Dawson, Sir (Arthur) Trevor, first baronet (1866–1931)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, May 2009 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/46865, accessed 21 September 2011]</ref>

=== Other buildings ===
A house in Elstree designed by architect [[Edward John May]] (1853–1941) was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1887. St Nicholas Parish Church was designed by English architect [[Philip Charles Hardwick]].<ref>M. H. Port, 'Hardwick, Philip (1792–1870)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, May 2008 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/12279, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>

=== Schools ===
Elstree is home to [[Aldenham School]], and [[Haberdashers' Boys' School]], both [[Public school (UK)|independent public schools]] (ie. fee-paying), [[Haberdashers' School for Girls]], and St Nicholas Church of England Primary School.

Just outside of Elstree, in the neighbouring town of Borehamwood, are a number of schools. There are [[Hertswood Academy]] and [[Elstree Screen Arts Academy]], the vocational school linked with [[Elstree Studios (Shenley Road)|Elstree Studios]].

There is also a Jewish high school called [[Yavneh College, Borehamwood]]. Yavneh was set up in 2013 by Dr [[Dena Coleman]], ex-headteacher of [[Hasmonean High School]]. Dr Coleman was also a board-member of the [[Jewish National Fund]]. Just before her retirement in 2013, Dr Coleman died of [[meningitis]]. Yavneh College has subsequently been headed up by Spencer Lewis, ex-head teacher of [[King Solomon High School]]. The Yavneh Schools governors have also opened a primary school on the Hillside Avenue campuses.<ref>[http://www.stnicholas610.herts.sch.uk/ St Nicholas Church of England V.A Primary School], Website. Retrieved 20 September 2011</ref>

=== Earlier schools ===
Since the 1780s, a private school has been located in Elstree.<ref name="page 28">Donald P. Leinster-Mackay, ''The rise of the English prep school'', Publisher: Taylor & Francis, 1984, {{ISBN|0-905273-74-5}}, {{ISBN|978-0-905273-74-7}}, 398 pages. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=FnM9AAAAIAAJ&dq=%22Hill+House%22+%22elstree+school%22&pg=PA28 page 28])</ref>

[[Elstree School]], a boys' preparatory school, was located in Elstree from 1848 until 1938 before moving to [[Woolhampton]], [[Berkshire]] before the outbreak of the [[Second World War]].

Hillside School was located in Elstree between 1874 and 1886, before eventually becoming [[Dorset House School]] in 1905,<ref name="page 28" /><ref>"[http://www.dorsethouseschool.com/history.html Our History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903054510/http://www.dorsethouseschool.com/history.html |date=3 September 2011 }}" Dorset House School website. Retrieved 19 September 2011</ref> (not to be confused with Hillside School in nearby Borehamwood).

== Recreation ==

=== Sport ===
Elstree Cricket Club was formed in 1878,<ref>"[http://www.hertsdirect.org/your-community/comvol/sport2y/spcric4y/668835 Elstree Cricket Club]" at hertsdirect.org website. Retrieved 22 September 2011</ref> but no longer play in the Herts Saracens League.<ref>"[http://elstree.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp Elstree CC] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402185552/http://elstree.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp |date=2 April 2012 }}" at Play Cricket website. Retrieved 22 September 2011.</ref><ref>Saracens Hertfordshire Cricket League, [http://www.hertsleague.co.uk/ClubDetails.aspx?ClubId=26 Elstree CC Club information], website. Retrieved 23 September 2011.</ref> 18-hole Radlett Park Golf Club was founded in 1984,<ref>"[http://www.theinternetgolfclub.com/golfclubs/elstree-golf-club.asp Welcome To Elstree Golf Club]" at The Internet Golf Club. Retrieved 23 September 2011</ref> having recently being renamed from Elstree Golf & Country Club.<ref>[http://www.radlettparkgolfclub.com/ Radlett Park Golf Club] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104182100/http://www.radlettparkgolfclub.com/ |date=4 November 2011 }}, website. Retrieved 23 September 2011</ref> It is closer to Elstree than Radlett.

Hatch End Cricket Club also play in Elstree. They participate in the Herts Saracens League.

=== Leisure ===
Section 15 of the [[London Outer Orbital Path]] (London Loop) goes through Elstree,<ref name="loop15">"[http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/walkfinder/walkdetails.asp?id=88 London Loop: Section 15 Hatch End to Elstree" route details, at Transport for London Website. Retrieved 22 September 2011]</ref> before continuing as Section 16, a 10-mile (16&nbsp;km) walk from Elstree to Cockfosters.<ref>"[http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/walkfinder/walkdetails.asp?id=89 London Loop: Section 16 Elstree to Cockfosters]" route details, at Transport for London Website. Retrieved 22 September 2011</ref><ref>London LOOP [http://www.walklondon.org.uk/leaflets.asp?Route=5#content Description and Maps] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012045909/http://walklondon.org.uk/leaflets.asp?Route=5#content |date=12 October 2011 }}, at the Walk London Website. Retrieved 2 September 2011</ref>

=== Synagogues ===
Elstree was home to Ohr Yisrael Synagogue, an Orthodox synagogue with affiliation to the [[Federation of Synagogues]]. However, the synagogue's present location is just within Borehamwood. The village currently sports two synagogues: The Shtiebel, an ultra-orthodox synagogue, and The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, just south of St. Nicholas' Church. According to census data, Elstree's population, including the Deacon's Hill area, was 36.0% Jewish, making it the only settlement with a Jewish plurality in the UK (the Christian population comprised 32.4% of the population). There are also two [[United Synagogue]] shuls in the area. One is on Croxdale Road and the other is at Yavneh College, Borehamwood.<ref>{{cite web | title = Elstree Demographics (Hertsmere, England) | url = http://elstree.localstats.co.uk/census-demographics/england/east-of-england/hertsmere/elstree }}</ref>

=== Parks ===
[[File:Tykes Water bridge - geograph.org.uk - 432495.jpg|thumb|Tykes Water bridge]]

[[Aldenham Country Park]] is both a recreational facility and a breeding centre for rare livestock. Section 15 of the [[London Loop]] walk passes by.<ref name="loop15" /> In 1873 nearby Tykes Water stream was dammed to create Tykes Water lake.<ref>Hugh Prince, ''Parks in Hertfordshire since 1500'', Publ. Univ of Hertfordshire Press, 2008, {{ISBN|0-9542189-9-X}}, 9780954218997, 334 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=mOYyyPCRbuYC&dq=%22Tykes+Water%22&pg=PA191 page 191])</ref> Tykes Water Bridge features in the open credits to the [[Peter Cushing]] and [[Christopher Lee]] film, ''[[Dracula A.D. 1972]]'',<ref>Derek Pykett, Freddie Francis, Simon Flynn, ''British Horror Film Locations'', Publisher: McFarland, 2008, {{ISBN|0-7864-3329-9}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7864-3329-2}}, 206 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=atktMkuOvPwC&q=elstree&pg=PA43 page 43])</ref> and used in several episodes of the [[Diana Rigg]] and [[Linda Thorson]] seasons of [[The Avengers (TV series)|''The Avengers'']], including the final Thorson opening titles.<ref>Avengers fan site by John Dineley. "[http://www.johndineley.com/the%20avengers/location4.htm On Location 4: Tyke's Water Lakes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402210237/http://www.johndineley.com/the%20avengers/location4.htm |date=2 April 2012 }}". Retrieved 23 September 2011.</ref>
It also features in the film ''[[Mosquito Squadron]]''.

=== Elstree Reservoir ===
The dam was built in 1795 by French prisoners of war.<ref>London LOOP, Section 15, Hatch End to Elstree ([http://www.walklondon.org.uk/uploads/File/leaflets/loop15directions_31052010160251.pdf page 3] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129120001/http://walklondon.org.uk/uploads/File/leaflets/loop15directions_31052010160251.pdf |date=29 November 2011 }})</ref> English watercolour landscape painter [[John Hassell]] writes:
:"At the top of Stanmore Hill we enter on Bushy Heath, and at some distance on the right in the valley catch a view of the celebrated reservoir, the property of the Grand Junction Company, on Aidenham Common, at the foot of the village of Elstree. This noble sheet of water occupies a space of considerable extent on the verge of Aidenham Common, which thirty years ago was a barren waste; here the improvements in agriculture are indeed conspicuous, for at this place a poor, sandy, meagre, wretched soil has now by good husbandry been converted into rich pasturage.
:"The reservoir has all the appearance of a lake; and when the timber that surrounds it shall have arrived at maturity, it will be a most delightful spot. From this immense sheet of water, in event of drought or a deficiency of upland waters, the lower parts of the Grand Junction and the Paddington Canals can have an immediate supply. The feeder from this reservoir enters the main stream near Rickmansworth, above Batchworth Mills, and supplies the millers' below with 300 locks of water, to whose interest the Duke of Northumberland is a perpetual trustee."<ref>John Hassell, "Tour of the Grand Junction", Printed for J. Hassell, 1819. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=UxIpAAAAYAAJ&dq=elstree&pg=PA11 page 11])</ref>
In 1886, the [[Photographic Society of Great Britain]] featured an exhibition of photos of Elstree Reservoir by Edgar Clifton.<ref>"[http://erps.dmu.ac.uk/exhibit_details.php?serial=10070 1886 &#91;Thirty-first&#93; Photographic Society of Great Britain Exhibition]", Catalogue records from the annual exhibitions, Exhibitions of the Royal Photographic Society 1870–1915, Exhibition, at De Montfort University website. Retrieved 20 September 2011</ref> During [[World War I]], then Major [[Keith Caldwell]] with No. 74 Squadron RAF, used Elstree Reservoir for target practice.<ref>Ira Jones, ''King of Air Fighters: The Biography of Major "Mick" Mannock, VC, DSO, MC'', Casemate Publishers, 2009, {{ISBN|1-932033-99-8}}, {{ISBN|978-1-932033-99-1}}, 340 pages. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=-ELRA_xVJssC&q=elstree&pg=PA198 page 198])</ref> In 1918, one of the pilots accidentally killed a local resident when his machine gun misfired.<ref>''Flight'' magazine, Stanley Spooner, editor. No. 471. (No. 1, Vol. X.) 3 January 1918. ([http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1918/1918%20-%201014.html page 1014])</ref>

== Murders ==
[[File:Elstree Parish Church Burial of William Weare.jpg|thumb|The burial of William Weare at the parish church in Elstree.]]

=== Martha Ray murder ===
[[File:Elstree murder 1882.jpg|thumb|The Elstree Murder of Eliza Ebborn on 17 August 1882 by George Stratton, as illustrated in ''The Illustrated Police News'' Saturday, 11 November 1882]]
In 1779, [[Martha Ray]] (c. 1742–1779), singer and mistress of [[John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich]], was buried in the parish church (illustrated, right) after she had been shot dead by the Rev. [[James Hackman]], [[Rector (ecclesiastical)|Rector]] of [[Wiveton]] in Norfolk.<ref>Authoress of Red Rose, The twelve churches; or, tracings along the Watling street, Publ. Rivingtons, London 1860, 56 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=xJ8_AAAAYAAJ&dq=elstree&pg=PA39 page 39])</ref>

=== The Elstree murder of William Weare ===
In 1823 Elstree became notorious for the [[Radlett murder|Elstree murder]] of William Weare, killed in Radlett and the body disposed of in a pond in Elstree by [[John Thurtell]].<ref>John Thurtell, ''A full account of the atrocious murder of the late Mr. W. Weare: containing the examinations before the magistrates, the proceedings of the coroner's inquest, with the whole of the evidence; the confessions of Hunt, and the statements of the other prisoners, verbatim'', publ. Sherwood, Jones and Co., 1823, 56 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=qgo_AAAAYAAJ&dq=elstree&pg=PR1 full text] at Google Books)</ref> The incident was recalled by [[Charles Dickens]] in his ''Weekly Journal''.<ref>Charles Dickens, ''All the year round, Volumes 15–16'', "Dec 8, 1866", Publisher Charles Dickens, 1866 ([https://books.google.com/books?id=TnQHAQAAIAAJ&dq=elstree&pg=RA1-PA521 page 521])</ref> An inquest of the deceased was held on 31 October by county coroner Benjamin Rooke at the local Artichoke public house.<ref>John Thurtell, ''A full account of the atrocious murder of the late Mr. W. Weare: containing the examinations before the magistrates, the proceedings of the coroner's inquest, with the whole of the evidence; the confessions of Hunt, and the statements of the other prisoners, verbatim'', Published by Sherwood, Jones, and Co., 1823. 56 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=qgo_AAAAYAAJ&q=artichoke&pg=PA13 page 13])</ref> He was likewise buried (funeral depicted) at the Parish Church.

=== The Elstree murder of Eliza Ebborn ===
On 17 August 1882, Eliza Ebborn of [[Watford]] was murdered by 24-year-old [[shoemaker]] George Stratton, who was subsequently sentenced to death.<ref>''The Illustrated Police News'', Saturday, 11 November 1882; Issue 978.</ref><ref>"Alleged Murder at Elstree", ''The Times'', Tuesday, 22 August 1882; pg. 8; Issue 30592; col E</ref> She was buried at Elstree Parish Church.<ref>"Elstree Parish Records Hertfordshire", The National Archives, website. Retrieved 10 October 2011 ([http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/a2a/records.aspx?cat=046-dp36&cid=-1#-1 ref])</ref>

== Administrative districts ==
Elstree used to be divided between the counties of Hertfordshire and [[Middlesex]]. The north part (which included the parish of Elstree) lay in the [[Hundred (county subdivision)|Hundred]] of Cashio, also known as the [[Liberty of St Albans]], while the south part lay in the Hundred of [[Gore Hundred|Gore]]. The county boundary ran along the road from Watford to Barnet, now called Barnet Lane.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/places/places-e/elstree/elstree.htm|title=The Parish and Village of Elstree|work=Hertfordshire Genealogy|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref>

=== Elstree Rural District ===
From 1941 to 1974, [[Elstree Rural District]] was the local government area, before being abolished and merged with [[Hertsmere]]. On 20 March 1957, Armorial Bearings were granted. The arms and crest are described as follows:
:The background of royal ermine, represents the royal visits to and associations with the district, principally the visit of Henry VIII and his court to Tyttenhanger in 1525 to avoid the "sweatinge sicknesse" and the visits of Charles II to Salisbury Hall in Shenley. The oak tree with the Saxon crown represents Saxon Elstree – "Tidwulf's tree" – around which the district has grown. The tree also represents Boreham Wood and the district's woodlands, the gold acorns symbolize growth and prosperity. The waves at the base represent the River Colne, Aldenham Reservoir and link with the waves in the arms of the Hertfordshire CC and the Greater London Council.The gold saltire on blue is from the arms of the Abbey of St. Albans, the manor of Elstree came into the possession of the Abbey in 1188, and Tyttenhanger in Ridge stands on the site of a former possession of the Abbey, and the whole area lies in the Liberty of St. Albans. The scallop shells, the badge of pilgrims, recalls their passage along Watling Street through Elstree to St. Albans.
:The hart is from one of the supporters of the County Council arms, wearing a mural crown, symbol of civic government. The spool of film (unique in civic heraldry) recalls the industry which had made the name of Elstree and Boreham Wood so widely known in modern times.
:The motto is taken from the wall of Shenley Cage, and also links with the County motto "Trust and fear not". "<ref>"[http://www.civicheraldry.co.uk/herts_ob.html#elstree%20rdc Elstree Rural District Council]", Civic Heraldry of England and Wales. Retrieved 25 September 2011</ref>

== Clubs, societies and organisations ==
* Elstree and Borehamwood History Society (inc. Elstree and Borehamwood Museum)<ref>[http://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/leisureculture/museumsgalleries/elstreeandborehamwoodmuseum.jsp Elstree and Borehamwood Museum] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614033744/http://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/leisureculture/museumsgalleries/elstreeandborehamwoodmuseum.jsp |date=14 June 2011 }} and [http://www.elstree-museum.co.uk/ Website]. Retrieved 20 September 2011</ref>
* Elstree, Borehamwood & Radlett mencap Society<ref>[http://www.mencap-ebr.org.uk/ Elstree, Borehamwood & Radlett mencap Society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402165546/http://www.mencap-ebr.org.uk/ |date=2 April 2012 }} website. Retrieved 20 September 2011</ref>
* Elstree Golf & Country Club<ref>[http://www.elstree-golfclub.co.uk/ Elstree Golf & Country Club], website. Retrieved 20 September 2011</ref>

== In popular culture ==
* Elstree is replicated as a part of one of three maps is based in the game ''[[Urban Dead]]''. The "[[Borehamwood]]" map was released as part of the promotional campaign for the release of British writer [[Charlie Brooker]]'s ''[[Dead Set]]''.
* "[[Elstree (song)|Elstree]]" is also the title of a song about the film studio by [[the Buggles]] on their 1979 album ''[[The Age of Plastic]]''.
* St. Nicholas Church in Elstree featured in an investigation of paranormal investigation.

== Notable residents ==

{{See also2 | notable pupils at [[Aldenham School]] | [[Elstree School]] before it moved in 1938 | [[Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School]] | [[Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls]]}}

[[File:Napoleon, masque face 05212.jpg|thumb|left|[[Napoleon's Death Mask]], made in 1821 by Elstree resident, Francis Burton M.D., the uncle of explorer [[Richard Francis Burton]]]]
{{Clear}}
* [[John Baxter (director)|John Baxter]] (1896–1975), film director and producer, lived at ''Aldahvu'', Elstree<ref>Alan Burton, 'Baxter, John (1896–1975)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/65531/2004-09, accessed 18 September 2011 as archived article (no longer current version)]</ref>
* [[Proctor-Beauchamp Baronets|Ephraim Beauchamp]] (d.1728) Baronet and lord of the Manor of Boreham in the parish of Elstree.<ref>William Betham, ''The baronetage of England: or The History of the English baronets, and such baronets of Scotland, as are of English families; with genealogical tables, and engravings of their coats of arms'', Publisher: Burrell and Bransby, 1803. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=_y4wAAAAYAAJ&dq=elstree+plate&pg=PA234 page 234])</ref>
* [[Gerry Blattner]] (1913–1992 approx.), film producer and studio executive, lived at The Chantry, Barnet Lane, Elstree in the 1960s.<ref>Herts Advertiser (Boreham Wood, Elstree & Radlett edition), 17 September 1965, p.1</ref>
* [[Ludwig Blattner]] (1881–1935), film producer and studio owner, lived in Elstree from about 1928 until his suicide at Elstree Golf & Country Club.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=w6kaAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Ludwig+Blattner%22 British Film Studios: An Illustrated History – Patricia Warren – Google Books<!-- Bot generated title -->] pub. Batsford Ltd, 5 September 1995, p.58. {{ISBN|978-0713475593}}</ref>
* [[John Boyle (bishop)|John Boyle]] (1563–1620), Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Rector of Elstree (before 1610).<ref>J. T. Gilbert, 'Boyle, John (1563–1620)', rev. Judith Hudson Barry, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/3128, accessed 18 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Ralph Terence St John-Brooks]] (1884–1963), bacteriologist, was stationed at the [[Lister Institute]]'s [[National Collection of Type Cultures]].<ref>John R. Postgate, 'Brooks, Ralph Terence St John- (1884–1963)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/52477, accessed 18 September 2011]</ref>
* Francis Burton M.D. (d.1828), uncle of Richard Francis Burton, military surgeon who made [[Napoleon's Death Mask]], lived at Barham House, and is buried in Elstree parish church.<ref>Wright, Thomas (1906). ''The Life of Sir Richard Burton''. Vols. 1 and 2. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. {{ISBN|1-4264-1455-2}}. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20080820044951/http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/b/burton/richard/b97zw/chapter1.html Torquay and Elstree] "</ref><ref>Chaplin, Arnold, ''The illness and death of Napoleon Bonaparte: a medical criticism'' publ. 1913. In [https://archive.org/details/cu31924011586751 this specific scanned book] at Archive.org, before the title page, is a newspaper cutting dated April 1931, which reads: "NAPOLEON'S SURGEON.  Workmen removing a shrub in Elstree Churchyard, Herts, at the foot of the church tower, uncovered a stone marking the family vault of Francis Burton, M.D., of the 12th Royal Lancers, who died in October 1828, aged 41. // Dr. Burton, who lived at Boreham House, Elstree, was surgeon at St. Helena when Napoleon died there. // Sir Richard Burton, the famous Eastern traveller, who was baptised in Elstree Church in September 1821, was brought up at Boreham House."</ref>
* [[Richard Francis Burton]] (1821–1890), explorer who lived at Barham House in Elstree when he was a child.
* [[George Byng (1735–1789)|George Byng, Esq.]] M.P. for Middlesex, resident of Elstree Manor.<ref name="lysons1796" />
* Rev. [[Philip Caraman]] (1911–1998), Jesuit, lived at The Grange on the corner of Allum Lane and Deacons Hill Road.<ref>June Rockett, ''A gentle Jesuit: Philip Caraman'', SJ, 1911–1998, Publ. Gracewing Publishing, 2004, {{ISBN|0-85244-593-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-85244-593-8}}, 356 pages. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=XjkaGy8ybLMC&dq=elstree&pg=PA9 page 9])</ref><ref>Michael O'Halloran SJ, "[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/obituary-the-rev-philip-caraman-1159953.html Obituary: The Rev Philip Caraman]", ''The Independent on Sunday'', Thursday, 14 May 1998. Retrieved 18 Dep 2011</ref>
* [[Hussein Chalayan]], fashion designer was brought up in The Rise
* [[Tom Chatto]] (1920–1982), actor, brought up in Elstree.
* Dame [[Harriette Chick]] (1875–1977), nutritionist, tested and bottled [[tetanus]] [[antitoxin]] for the army in 1915.<ref>H. M. Sinclair, 'Chick, Dame Harriette (1875–1977)', rev. David F. Smith, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, Jan 2008 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/30924, accessed 19 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Muzio Clementi]] (1752-1832), pianist, composer and businessman. He resided in Elstree from 1823 to 1828.
* [[Joan Collins]], actress and author, lived in Barnet Lane, while married to [[Anthony Newley]], singer, actor and [[film composer]].
* [[Samuel Tertius Cowan]] (1905–1976), bacteriologist, curator of the [[National Collection of Type Cultures]] (NCTC) at the [[Lister Institute]].<ref>Dorothy Jones, 'Cowan, Samuel Tertius (1905–1976)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/52481, accessed 19 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Simon Cowell]], the [[American Idol]] and [[The X Factor (UK)|X Factor]] judge, was brought up in Elstree.
* [[Trevor Dawson|Sir (Arthur) Trevor Dawson]], first baronet (1866–1931), armaments manufacturer, lived at Edgewarebury House.<ref name="trevordawson" />
* [[Colonel John Drinkwater]], the historian of the Siege of Gibraltar, had his family seat at Palmer's Lodge,<ref>John Burke, A genealogical and heraldic history of the commoners of Great Britain and Ireland, enjoying territorial possessions or high official rank: but uninvested with heritable honours, Volume 3, Publ. for Henry Colburn, by R. Bentley, 1836 ([https://books.google.com/books?id=qf4GAAAAQAAJ&dq=%22colonel+drinkwater%22+elstree&pg=PA423 page 423])</ref> (now called Radnor Hall)<ref>William Page (editor), 'Parishes: Elstree', ''A History of the County of Hertford: volume 2'' ([http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=43292 pp. 349–351])</ref>
* [[Anthony Denny]], Esq (1501–1549), resident of the Manor of Elstree.<ref name="lysons1796" />
* [[Sir Edward Denny, 4th Baronet|Sir Edward Denny]] (1796–1889) composer, resident of Manor of Elstree.<ref name="lysons1796" />
* [[James Elphinston]] (1721–1809) Scottish educator, moved to Elstree in 1792.<ref>Joan C. Beal, 'Elphinston, James (1721–1809)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/8738, accessed 21 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Percy Everett]] (1870–1952), became the first Scoutmaster of the 1st Elstree Scout group on 13 March 1908,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1148104.mostviewed.be_prepared_for_100_years.php |title=Be prepared... for 100 years |first=Emma |last=Hutchings |publisher=Borehamwood and Elstree Times |date=25 January 2007 |access-date=4 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208041924/http://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1148104.mostviewed.be_prepared_for_100_years.php |archive-date=8 February 2007 }}</ref> was Deputy Chief Scout for Great Britain,<ref>T.C. Sharma, ''Scouting As A Cocurricular'', Sarup & Sons, 2003, {{ISBN|81-7625-351-0}}, {{ISBN|978-81-7625-351-2}}, 265 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=CAFrYgcM3JwC&dq=%22Deputy+Chief+Scout.%22+%22Percy+Everett%22&pg=PA17 page 17])</ref> and lived at Schopwick Place in Elstree.<ref>Peter Townsend (editor), ''Burke's genealogical and heraldic history of the landed gentry'', 18th Edition, (page 528)</ref>
*[[Andrew Feldman, Baron Feldman of Elstree|Andrew Feldman]] (b. 1966), [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] politician appointed to the Lords, known as Baron Feldman of Elstree.
*[[Cecil Ford]] (1913–1994) cricketer, was born in Elstree.
*[[Vicary Gibbs (St Albans MP)|Vicary Gibbs]] (1853–1932), genealogist and gardener, lived at Aldenham House.<ref>P. W. Hammond, 'Gibbs, Vicary (1853–1932)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/33388, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Lew Grade]] (1906–1998), TV producer given a [[life peerage]], was known as Baron Grade of Elstree.
* [[Thomas Greenwood (publisher)|Thomas Greenwood]] (1851–1908), public libraries promoter, died at Frith Knowl, Elstree.<ref>Alistair Black, 'Greenwood, Thomas (1851–1908)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/33546, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* [[James Hackman]] (1752–1779), murderer of Martha Ray, was buried in Elstree Parish Church.<ref>[[Philip Rawlings]], 'Hackman, James (bap. 1752, d. 1779)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/11842, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Sir Harry Hague]] (1881–1960), managing director of A. Wander Ltd, the company who made [[Ovaltine]], lived at The Chantry, Barnet Lane, Elstree.<ref>"Lot No: 126" "[http://www.bonhams.com/eur/auction/12066/lot/126/ Provenance: Sir Harry Hague (1881–1960)]" at Bonhams.com</ref>
* [[David Willis Wilson Henderson]] (1903–1968), immunologist, worked at the [[Lister Institute]].<ref>Michael Worboys, 'Henderson, David Willis Wilson (1903–1968)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/33809, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Thomas Knox, 2nd Earl of Ranfurly]] M.P. (1786–1858) Member of Parliament (1820–1832) resided at Barham House, Elstree.<ref>"[http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1820-1832/member/knox-hon-thomas-1786-1858 KNOX, Hon. Thomas (1786–1858)]", ''The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1820–1832'', edited by D.R. Fisher. Retrieved 25 Dep 2011</ref>
*[[Stanley Kubrick]] (1928-1999), film director. Lived on Barnet Lane.
* [[Sir John Charles Grant Ledingham]] (1875–1944), bacteriologist, worked at the [[Lister Institute]].<ref>Hugh Clegg, 'Ledingham, Sir John Charles Grant (1875–1944)', Rev. Tim O'Neill, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/34462, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Paul Lester]], music journalist.
* [[Ian Livingston]], chief executive officer of [[BT Group]].
* [[William Macready]] (1793–1873), actor, lived at Elm Place, Elstree.<ref>[[J. C. Trewin]], ''The Journal of William Charles Macready, 1832–1851'', Publisher SIU Press, 2009, {{ISBN|0-8093-2941-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8093-2941-0}}, 360 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=S5J8jfYJM2sC&q=elstree+&pg=PR32 page xxxii])</ref>
* [[John Henry Marks]] (b. 1925) General Practitioner and Chairman of the [[British Medical Association]], lived on Barnet Lane.<ref>John Marks, ''The NHS: Beginning, Middle and End?: The Autobiography of Dr John Marks'', Radcliffe Publishing, 2008, {{ISBN|1-84619-272-2}}, {{ISBN|978-1-84619-272-2}}, 279 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=NV9AJoyQvhgC&q=elstree&pg=PA40 page 40])</ref>
* [[Archer John Porter Martin]] (1910–2002), Nobel Prize winning biochemist, worked at the [[Lister Institute]], and lived at Abbotsbury on Barnet Lane.<ref>Peter J.T. Morris, 'Martin, Archer John Porter (1910–2002)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, Jan 2006; online edn, Oct 2009 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/77176, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Walter Thomas James Morgan]] (1900–2003), biochemist. worked at the [[Lister Institute]].<ref>K.D. Bagshawe, 'Morgan, Walter Thomas James (1900–2003)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, Jan 2007 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/89447, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* Air Vice-Marshal Sir [[David Munro (physician)|David Munro]], K.C.B., C.I.E., LL.D., M.B., F.R.C.S.Ed. (1878–1952)<ref>"[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2021881/ Obituary. Sir David Munro], K.C.B., C.I.E., LL.D., M.B., F.R.C.S.Ed.", British Medical Journal, 22 November 1952; 2(4794): 1153–1156, 1157–1158.</ref><ref>David Munro, It passed too quickly. (Autobiography) ([https://books.google.com/books?id=dl8VAAAAIAAJ&q=father&pg=PA4 ref])</ref>
* [[Anna Neagle]] and her film director husband [[Herbert Wilcox]] lived at the junction of Deacons Hill Road and Barnet Lane during her years as a film star.<ref>"Golden anniversary to the Manor born" in the ''[[Oxford Mail]]'', Thursday 19 July 2001. Retrieved 18 September 2001</ref>
* [[Richard Tauber]], tenor, and his actress-wife [[Diana Napier]] lived at the Villa Capri from 1936 to 1940. It was later demolished to form a new residential development, called Tauber Close.<ref>Diana Napier-Tauber, ''My heart and I'', Publisher Evans Bros., 1959 (Biography), [https://books.google.com/books?id=aosGAQAAIAAJ&q=villa+capri page 26]</ref>
* [[Frank Podmore]] (1856–1910) author and founding member of the [[Fabian Society]] was born in Elstree.<ref>Alan Gauld, 'Podmore, Frank (1856–1910)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/35552, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Martha Ray]] (c.1742–1779), singer murdered by [[James Hackman]], buried in Elstree Parish Church.<ref>William Weber, 'Ray, Martha (1742?–1779)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/23204, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Horatio Sharpe]] (1718–1790), army officer and Proprietary Governor of Maryland, buried at Elstree Parish Church.<ref>Jean B. Russo, 'Sharpe, Horatio (1718–1790)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/68743, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* [[Winston Smith (dog breeder)|Winston Smith]], spaniel dog breeder.<ref>MEd J. C. Judah, ''An Ancient History of Dogs: Spaniels Through the Ages'', {{ISBN|1-4303-1861-9}}, {{ISBN|978-1-4303-1861-3}}, 332 pages ([https://books.google.com/books?id=sZ6pAK6eHkQC&q=winston&pg=PA138 page 138])</ref>
* [[Henry Hurd Swinnerton]] (1875–1966), zoologist and geologist, lived and died at the Headmaster's House, Haberdashers' Aske's School.<ref>R.J. Cleevely, 'Swinnerton, Henry Hurd (1875–1966)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/51714, accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>
* [[James Booker Blakemore Wellington]] (1858–1939) photographer, died in Elstree in 1939.<ref>John Taylor, ''Pictorial photography in Britain, 1900–1920: exhibition catalogue'', Publisher: Arts Council of Great Britain, 1978, {{ISBN|0-7287-0170-7}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7287-0170-0}}, 95 pages</ref>
* [[James West (antiquary)|James West, Esq.]] MP for [[St Albans (UK Parliament constituency)|St Albans]], resident of Elstree Manor.<ref name="lysons1796" />
* [[Jeremiah White (chaplain)|Jeremiah White]] (1629–1707), nonconformist minister, preached at Elstree in 1669.<ref>E.C. Vernon, 'White, Jeremiah (1629–1707)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29249 accessed 25 September 2011]</ref>

== Climate ==
{{Weather box
|location = Elstree
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan high C = 6
|Feb high C = 7
|Mar high C = 9
|Apr high C = 12
|May high C = 16
|Jun high C = 18
|Jul high C = 22
|Aug high C = 22
|Sep high C = 18
|Oct high C = 14
|Nov high C = 9
|Dec high C = 7
|Jan low C = 1
|Feb low C = 1
|Mar low C = 2
|Apr low C = 4
|May low C = 6
|Jun low C = 9
|Jul low C = 11
|Aug low C = 11
|Sep low C = 10
|Oct low C = 7
|Nov low C = 3
|Dec low C = 2
|Jan precipitation mm= 69.6
|Feb precipitation mm= 47.2
|Mar precipitation mm= 54.1
|Apr precipitation mm= 53.1
|May precipitation mm= 49.8
|Jun precipitation mm= 60.5
|Jul precipitation mm= 41.1
|Aug precipitation mm= 53.6
|Sep precipitation mm= 61.0
|Oct precipitation mm= 74.4
|Nov precipitation mm= 66.0
|Dec precipitation mm= 67.6
|source 1 = Monthly averages for [[Borehamwood]], United Kingdom ''The Weather Channel''. Retrieved 15 October 2011
|date=October 2011
}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==

=== Books ===
* Richard Riding and Grant Peerless, ''Elstree Aerodrome: The Past in Pictures'', The History Press Ltd (26 November 2003), {{ISBN|0-7509-3412-3}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7509-3412-1}}, 192 pages.
* Robert Bard, ''Elstree and Borehamwood Past'', Publisher: Phillimore & Company, Limited, 2006, {{ISBN|1-905286-11-2}}, {{ISBN|978-1-905286-11-9}}, 128 pages
* Stephen A. Castle, William Brooks, ''The Book of Elstree & Boreham Wood'', Publisher: Barracuda Press, 1988, {{ISBN|0-86023-406-1}}, {{ISBN|978-0-86023-406-7}}, 136 pages
* G. R. T. Eales, ''A Lecture on the history of Elstree'', Publisher: Scott, Greenwood & Son, 1922
* Anthony Frewin, John Mansbridge, ''Elstree & Boreham Wood through two thousand years'', Publisher: Ann and [[Lionel Leventhal]], 1974, {{ISBN|0-9503822-0-5}}, {{ISBN|978-0-9503822-0-3}}, 47 pages.
* Paul Welsh, ''Elstree and Borehamwood in Old Picture Postcards'', {{ISBN|90-288-3013-8}}, {{ISBN|978-90-288-3013-4}}, 80 pages.
* J. Roy Avery, ''The Elstree murder'', Publisher: Haberdasher's Aske's School, 1963, 19 pages.
* Thomas Burke, ''Murder at Elstree: or, Mr. Thurtell and his gig'', Publisher:  Longmans, Green and co., 1936, 177 pages
* ''Elstree Rural District: official guide'', Forward Publicity Limited, Edition	9, illustrated, Publisher: Home Pub., 1972. {{ISBN|0-7174-0233-9}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7174-0233-5}}. 72 pages.
* William Hawtayne, ''A sermon preach'd at Elstree in Hertfordshire, on the twentieth of January 1714''. Mr. Hawtayne's thanksgiving-sermon on 20 January 1714. Printed for Tim Goodwin. 20 pages.
* Franklyn de Winton Lushington, ''Sermons to young boys delivered at Elstree school'', Publ. 1898. Republished [[Kessinger Publishing LLC]] 2010. {{ISBN|1-166-95208-8}}, {{ISBN|978-1-166-95208-2}}.
* ''The first register book of the parish church of Elstree, 1655–1757'', Translated by	Arthur R. T. Eales, publisher: pr.by Coombes, 1914, 76 pages.
* I. C. M. Sanderson, ''A history of Elstree School and three generations of the Sanderson family'', Publisher Elstree School, 1978.
* John Hill, ''Hertfordshire Militia Lists: Elstree & Shenley'', Issue ML 102 of Militia Series, Publ. Hertfordshire Family & Population History Society, 2000, {{ISBN|1-903245-06-0}}, {{ISBN|978-1-903245-06-4}}, 13 pages
* ''An Illustrated Guide to the Elstree Country Club, Elstree, Herts'', publ. Elstree Country Club, 1950, 12 pages. (at the British Library). Retrieved 22 September 2011.

=== Journals ===
* "Medieval Pottery From Elstree, Otterspool & Prehsi", Academic Journal Offprint From ''St. Albans Architectural And Archaeological Society Transactions'' (1961)
* Renn, Derek F,  "Further finds of medieval pottery from Elstree: with a survey of unglazed thumb-pressed jugs", ''Hertfordshire Archaeology'' 1968, pp.&nbsp;124–7
* Stephen Castle and Michael Hammerons, "Excavations Elstree, Middlesex, 1974-6". At Archaeology Data Service Website. Retrieved 22 September 2011

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Elstree}}
* '[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=43292&strquery=elstree Parishes: Elstree]', A History of the County of Hertford: volume 2 (1908), pp.&nbsp;349–51.
* '[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=45463&strquery=elstree Elstree]', The Environs of London: volume 4: Counties of Herts, Essex & Kent (1796), pp.&nbsp;24–8.
* Archaeology Data Service:  [http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archsearch/ Archsearch]
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-516000-195000/page/12 Elstree Village] at BBC Domesday Project online. Retrieved 22 September 2011
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120425063510/http://www.londonfhc.org/content/catalogue?p=England,England,Hertford,Elstree&f=1 Elstree Church records] at the London Family History Centre.
* "[http://www.historicaldirectories.org/hd/PAGEVIEWER.ASP?fn=0000cygb.tif&dn=WSC9001Atif&zoom=in Elstree with Boreham Wood]" 1855 Post Office Directory, via Historical Directories
* "[http://www.historicaldirectories.org/hd/PAGEVIEWER.ASP?fn=0000c71f.tif&dn=LUL19025tif&zoom=in Elstree with Boreham Wood], 1894 Kelly's Directory of Essex, Herts & Middx
* [http://www.elstreeborehamwoodresidents.co.uk/ Elstree and Borehamwood Residents Association (EBRA)]

{{London Outer Orbital Path | locale=Elstree | forward=[[Cockfosters]] | back=[[Hatch End]] | A=15 | B=16}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Villages in Hertfordshire]]
[[Category:Hertsmere]]