Cheshunt

For the football club, see Cheshunt F.C. For the village in Australia, see Cheshunt, Victoria.

Cheshunt (/ˈtʃɛzənt/ CHEZ-ənt) is a town in the Borough of Broxbourne in Hertfordshire, England, 13 miles (21 km) north of Central London on the River Lea and Lee Navigation and directly south of Broxbourne. It contains a section of the Lee Valley Park, including much of the River Lee Country Park. To the north lies Broxbourne and Wormley, Waltham Abbey to the east, Waltham Cross and Enfield to the south, and Cuffley to the west.

Cheshunt
Clockwise from top: St Mary's Church, Cheshunt Library, Cheshunt station, Cheshunt Lock, and the Broxbourne Borough Council offices
Cheshunt Location within Hertfordshire
Population	45,832 (Census 2011: Built-up area sub division)[1]
OS grid reference	TL358021
• London	12 mi (19 km)
District	Broxbourne
Shire county	Hertfordshire
Region	East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	WALTHAM CROSS
Postcode district	EN7, EN8
Dialling code	01992
Police	Hertfordshire
Fire	Hertfordshire
Ambulance	East of England
UK Parliament	Broxbourne
List of places UK England Hertfordshire 51.702°N 0.035°W / 51.702; -0.035

Historically an ancient parish in the Hertford hundred of Hertfordshire, it was granted urban district status in 1894. Waltham Cross, which became a separate ecclesiastical parish in 1885, historically formed the southern part of Cheshunt, and remained part of the Cheshunt Urban District until its abolition in 1974. The urban districts of Cheshunt and Hoddesdon merged in 1974 to form the Borough of Broxbourne, the area's current local authority district. Cheshunt was not re-established as a successor parish.

At the 2011 census, Cheshunt had a population of 45,832.

Toponymy

The name Cheshunt originates from the Old English term Cestrehunt, which appears in the Domesday Book of 1086.^[2][3]The first element, ceaster, derives from the Latin castra, meaning "fort" or "military camp", a common component in English place names that indicates Roman origins.^[4] 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.^[5]

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).^[6] 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.^[7][8]

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.^[9]

History

Cheshunt’s history spans prehistoric settlements to its modern role as a commuter town, shaped by its strategic location along Ermine Street, prominence in horticulture, and transformation through royal associations, industrialisation, and suburban growth.

Prehistoric and Roman period

Archaeological evidence indicates human activity in Cheshunt from prehistoric times, with excavations uncovering flint tools and pottery.^[10] 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.^[11][12][13]

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.^[14][15] The Roman Urn public house on Crossbrook Street commemorates this heritage.^[16] A 2007 Time Team investigation revealed further Roman-era artefacts, confirming noteable Roman presence in Cheshunt.^[17][18]

Anglo-Saxon and mediaeval periods

The name Cheshunt likely derives from the Anglo-Saxon "ceastel" (fortified place) and "hunt" (hunting ground).^[19] 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.^[20] St Mary’s Church, constructed in the 12th century with Norman architectural features, became a religious and community focal point.^[21][22] The Eleanor Cross at neighbouring Waltham Cross, erected in 1291 by Edward I in memory of Queen Eleanor of Castile, highlights Cheshunt’s proximity to royal routes.^[23]

Tudor period

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

Cheshunt gained prominence during the Tudor era, particularly through its association with Queen Elizabeth I. Theobalds Palace, built in the late 15th century by Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley, became a favoured royal residence.^[24][25] 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.^[26][27][28] The palace was later gifted to James I in 1607, who preferred it over other royal residences.^[29] The last royal resident to call Theobalds Palace home was King Charles I. Following the victory of Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War, the palace was dismantled, with much of its stone repurposed for other buildings.^[30][31]

Cheshunt Great House prior to its destruction by fire in 1965

Cheshunt Great House, another significant Tudor manor, was linked to a succession of noble and notable figures.In 1519, the Great House came into the possession of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, King Henry VIII chief adviser.^[32][33]

17th and 18th centuries

During the English Civil War, Cheshunt’s strategic location along Ermine Street made it significant. Theobalds Palace was seized by Parliamentarians, and Oliver Cromwell is said to have visited, with local tradition linking Cheshunt Park to his family.^[34][35] The palace was partially demolished post-war, with materials repurposed, though its grounds remain as Cedars Park, now a public space.^[36]

In the 18th century, Cheshunt’s economy grew through market gardening, supplying London with produce via the River Lea.^[37]

20th century

The 20th century marked Cheshunt’s transformation from a rural market town into a key part of London’s commuter belt.^[45][46] Culmanating in today with Cheshunt been identified as one of the more favourable commuter towns for those working in London, based on factors such as property prices, travel time, and local amenities.^[47]

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. The widespread use of greenhouses led to the Lea Valley region being dubbed the "Glasshouse Capital of Britain" and "London's Salad Bowl".^[48][49] The wider Lea Valley, including Cheshunt, peaked at 1,200 acres (490 ha) of greenhouse cultivation around 1950, the largest in the UK.^[50] In 1967, a quarter of the country's glasshouses were in the area.^[51]

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.^[52] Many nurseries closed or were converted into residential areas.^[53] While Cheshunt's greenhouse industry has largely diminished, the wider Lea Valley continues to operate around 450 acres (180 ha) of glasshouses, producing approximately 75% of the UK's crop.^[54][55]

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.^[56][57] 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, reflecting its ongoing role in the community’s civic life.^[58]

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.^[59][60] 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.^[61] A memorial plaque was unveiled in 2010 near the crash site at the entrance to St Mary’s School, honouring the American crew’s sacrifice.^[62][63]

Economic and Urban Development

In 1929, Jack Cohen opened one of the first Tesco stores in Cheshunt’s High Street, setting in motion the company’s expansion into a retail giant. Tesco later relocated its corporate headquarters to the town, remaining there until 2016 and contributing significantly to the local economy.^[64]

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

Following the Second World War, Cheshunt experienced rapid urbanisation as part of Greater London’s overspill housing strategy. Large council estates were developed in areas like Bury Green and Rosedale to meet the demand for affordable housing.^[65] Electrification of rail lines and improved commuter links made the town increasingly attractive to those working in the capital.^[66]

Education expanded to meet the needs of the growing population, with the founding of Goffs Academy in 1964, while older institutions like Dewhurst St Mary’s Primary School remained active.^[67]

Geography

Location and topography

Cheshunt is located in the Borough of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, approximately 13 miles (21 km) north of central London.^[76] 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.^[77] The area’s geological composition includes Quaternary alluvial deposits and Eocene London Clay, contributing to the fertile soils historically suited for market gardening.^[78]

Hydrology and natural features

The River Lea and its associated waterways, including the Lee Navigation and the Small River Lea, pass through eastern Cheshunt. These form part of the 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) Lee Valley Park, a linear green corridor comprising wetlands, woodlands, and leisure areas.^[79] The park supports both conservation and recreational uses, with cycling, fishing, and birdwatching among its popular activities.^[80]

Part of the town lies within the Turnford and Cheshunt Pits, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These former gravel pits, now flooded, host nationally important species of flora and fauna, including orchids, dragonflies, and over 200 species of birds.^[81]

Urban layout and land use

Cheshunt has a polycentric urban structure, characterised by multiple centres of activity rather than a single dominant town core. The traditional town centre, known locally as the Old Pond, lies at the junction of College Road and Turners Hill^[82] and serves as a focal point for civic amenities and local businesses.^[83] To the north, the **Brookfield Centre**, formerly Brookfield Farm, functions as a major retail complex, housing large-format stores such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Next and River Island. It is physically and functionally distinct from the Old Pond and plays a key role in the town's commercial landscape.^[84]

Other significant residential and commercial nodes contribute to this decentralised layout. These include:

• Turnford, a northern suburb with its own local services and educational institutions.
• Bury Green, to the west of the Old Pond, historically a hub for council housing estates developed in the mid-20th century.
• Rosedale, a residential area to the south-west with post-war housing and green spaces.
• Churchgate, the original medieval village core near St Mary’s Church, with heritage value and local shops.
• Hammond Street, a largely suburban and semi-rural zone on the western edge of the town, formerly part of open agricultural land.
• Flamstead End, situated in the western part of Cheshunt, which has undergone residential development following the decline of the greenhouse industry.
• Goffs Oak fringe, a semi-rural area marking the western boundary of Cheshunt, with overlapping community identity and low-density housing.

To the west, Cheshunt abuts the Metropolitan Green Belt, preserving areas of open countryside and some remaining horticultural land. To the east, the town's boundary is defined by the River Lea and its associated wetlands. This area forms part of the Lee Valley Park and is subject to development restrictions due to flood risk and environmental designations.^[85]

Modern urban development has largely been shaped by Cheshunt’s role as a commuter town for London. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw significant expansion of residential estates, retail zones, and transport infrastructure to accommodate population growth and changing land use patterns.^[86]

Climate

Cheshunt has a temperate maritime climate, characterised by mild summers and cool winters. Average high temperatures range from 8°C in January to 23°C in July, with an annual precipitation of approximately 720 mm.^[87] Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.

Average monthly temperatures in Cheshunt (°C)^[88]

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

Governance

Cheshunt operates under a two-tier system of local government, comprising Broxbourne Borough Council at the district level and Hertfordshire County Council at the county level. The town has had no parish or town council since 1974, making it an unparished area.^[89]

Historical administration

Historically, Cheshunt was part of the hundred of Hertford and included what is now Waltham Cross.^[89] In 1837, it was brought under the jurisdiction of the Edmonton Poor Law Union, aligning it with other parishes in the provision of poor relief.^[90][91]

Cheshunt became a local board of health district on 13 July 1850 under the Public Health Act 1848, with its first meeting taking place in October that year, chaired by John Sanders.^[92][93] It was reconstituted as an urban district under the Local Government Act 1894, becoming the Cheshunt Urban District Council from 31 December 1894.^[94]

Initially based at St Mary's Hall on College Road,^[95][96] the council later moved to the Manor House at 22 Turners Hill, a substantial 1860s residence that served as its headquarters until the 1980s.^[97] Cheshunt Public Library was built in the Manor House grounds in 1907.^[98] In 1944, the Urban District Council was granted its own coat of arms.^[99]

Borough of Broxbourne

Cheshunt Urban District was abolished under the Local Government Act 1972, and its territory became part of the newly established Borough of Broxbourne on 1 April 1974.^[94] The town has remained unparished since, with local services administered directly by the borough council. The former council offices at the Manor House were demolished in the late 1980s and replaced with a sheltered housing development, Edwards Court.^[100]

Broxbourne Borough Council is responsible for local functions such as planning, refuse collection, housing, leisure, and environmental health. It operates from its civic offices at Bishops’ College, Cheshunt. As of 2024, the council is controlled by the Conservative Party, led by Councillor Lewis Cocking.^[101]

County governance

Hertfordshire County Council is responsible for strategic services in the area, including education, social services, highways, libraries, and public health. The county council is based at County Hall in Hertford and represents Cheshunt through several electoral divisions, each returning a county councillor.^[102] As of the 2021 election cycle, the council is led by Councillor Richard Roberts of the Conservative Party.^[103]

Industry

Tesco House, former Tesco head office, in Delamare Road, Cheshunt

Cheshunt's best-known employer was Tesco, whose head office was in Delamare Road, Cheshunt for many years. A small store in the town centre is still open today, while "Home 'n' Wear" store, which was situated across the Old Pond in College Road, is now closed.^[104] In 1983 a new out-of-town Tesco store located to the north of the town opened, named "Brookfield Farm". It later expanded, a branch of Marks & Spencer was built next door, and the entire estate was renamed "The Brookfield Centre". Tesco announced in 2015 that it would move its headquarters to Welwyn Garden City.^[105][106]

In 1959, Colin Chapman moved his fledgling Lotus group of companies, including Lotus Cars and Team Lotus, from its outgrown premises at Hornsey to a purpose-built facility on Delamare Road. Racing cars from here won the first two of its seven constructor championships in (1963 and 1965) before moving to Hethel, Norfolk, in 1966.

North Met Pit, flooded gravel workings

Until the late 1960s the main land use around Cheshunt was for its nursery industry, and many new techniques for growing under glass were developed here. Thomas Rochford had a large concern here, although now almost all the glasshouses have been redeveloped into housing estates. This is often reflected in the names of the roads or estates, such as Rosedale or Thomas Rochford Way. A small amount of nursery trade survives to the west of the town. The neighbouring town of Goffs Oak had a large number of nurseries as well as a large garden centre, but these have since been closed and redeveloped as mid-range housing developments.

The River Lee Navigation passes the east of Cheshunt and was used for the transport of flowers and crops to the London markets for many years until road transport became more viable. A wharf existed just east of the railway on the site now occupied by Herts Young Mariners Base. The Youth Hostel was built on the site of the derelict open-air swimming pool.^[107]

"Cheshunt Compound", a fungicide developed at the Cheshunt Research Station, was widely used by amateur and professional gardeners but has been withdrawn from sale in the UK since November 2010 and it is no longer legal to use it.^[108] It was a mixture of copper sulphate and ammonium carbonate.^[109]

From the end of World War II a large area of the River Lea flood plain was used for sand and gravel extraction which resulted in the creation of the now mature lakes which are popular with anglers, birdwatchers and naturalists. The area now forms part of the 1,000 acres (400 ha) River Lee Country Park and the Turnford and Cheshunt Pits SSSI.

Notable people

Cliff Richard performing in Sydney, Australia

16th century

• Queen Elizabeth I – Stayed in Cheshunt during her youth.^[110]
• Cardinal Wolsey – Granted land in Cheshunt by King Henry VIII; the remains of his manor, Cheshunt Great House, are located at Goffs Lane.^[111]

17th century

• Richard Cromwell – From the 1690s until his death in 1712, Richard Cromwell lived in Cheshunt, where he died.^[112]
• King James I – Died at Theobalds Palace in Cheshunt in 1625.^[113]

20th century

Victoria Beckham in 2010

• Victoria Beckham – Singer and fashion designer; attended St Mary's High School in Cheshunt during the 1980s.^[114]
• David Bentley – Footballer with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur; grew up in Cheshunt during the 1990s.^[115]
• Phillip Cottrell – BBC journalist who grew up in Cheshunt and attended Cheshunt School.^[116]
• Eric Christiansen (1937–2016) – A medieval historian and fellow emeritus of New College, Oxford. Born in Cheshunt.
• John Dalton – Bass guitarist for The Kinks; attended Cheshunt Secondary Modern School.^[117]
• Lord Dobbs – Writer and politician; known for the "House of Cards" series.^[118]
• Greg Lincoln – Former professional footballer and current coach; born in Cheshunt in 1980.^[119][120]

• Lieutenant John D.Ellis – On 12 August 1944, he diverted a B-24 Liberator bomber to avoid the town, he was commemorated in the naming of Lieutenant Ellis Way.^[121]
• Ralph Creed Meredith – Chaplain to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. Lead the Parish of Cheshunt in 1932^[122]
• Linda Lusardi – Former glamour model and actress; longtime Cheshunt resident.^[123]
• Andy Parker – Drummer and founding member of the rock band UFO; born in Cheshunt in 1952.^[124]
• Cliff Richard – Singer, musician, and actor; lived in Cheshunt in the 1940s/50s.^[125]

21st century

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.^[126]
• Michael Birch – Tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Bebo.^[127]
• Ryan Mason – Footballer and interim Tottenham Hotspur manager; attended Cheshunt School.^[128]
• Declan McKenna – Indie rock musician who rose to fame in the 2010s.^[129]
• Rebecca Morelle – BBC Science Editor; attended Goffs School in Cheshunt.^[130]
• Billy Joe Saunders – Professional boxer, active from the 2010s.^[131]
• Emma Trott – Retired professional cyclist; born in Cheshunt in 1989. She rode for the Dutch women's professional team Dolmans-Boels from the 2012 to the 2014 season.^[132]
• Laura Trott (now Laura Kenny) – Six-time Olympic medal-winning cyclist (2012-2020); grew up in Cheshunt.
• Emma Witter – Artist known for sculpting delicate floral forms from discarded materials, especially animal bones.^[133][134]

Education

Cheshunt is served by a variety of educational institutions, including state-funded primary and secondary schools, as well as faith-based academies. While there are no higher education institutions within the town itself, further and tertiary education is available nearby through regional colleges and university partnerships.

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^[135]
• 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^[136]
• Andrews Lane Primary School, Andrews Lane

Secondary Schools

There are four secondary schools in Cheshunt:

• Goffs Academy, Goffs Lane.
• Goffs-Churchgate Academy, College Road.
• Haileybury Turnford, Mill Lane – formerly Turnford School, it became an academy in 2015 and is sponsored by Haileybury and Imperial Service College.^[137]

• St Mary's Church of England High School, Lieutenant Ellis Way – originally established in 1958, relocated in 2010, and became an academy in 2012.^[138][139]

Tertiary education

Cheshunt does not have a university or dedicated higher education institution within the town itself. However, residents have access to tertiary education through nearby providers.

Hertford Regional College, located in neighbouring Turnford, offers a range of further and higher education programmes. These include apprenticeships, vocational training, and university-level courses validated by institutions such as the University of Hertfordshire and the University of Greenwich.^{[140][141][142]}

Capel Manor College, in nearby Enfield, provides land-based and environmental education, including higher education courses in partnership with the Royal Agricultural University.^[143]

The University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, approximately 15 miles from Cheshunt, offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and works in partnership with Hertford Regional College through the Hertfordshire Higher Education Consortium.^[144]

Demographics

According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, Cheshunt had a total population of 43,770.^[145]

Ethnic composition

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

Ethnic composition of Cheshunt (2021)

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

^[145]

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.^[146]

Sport

Cheshunt has its own football club in Cheshunt F.C. who play in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Founded in 1946, their most famous player was Iain Dowie who played for them in the 1980s. F.C. Romania also plays in Cheshunt.Tottenham Hotspur F.C. have also held training grounds in Cheshunt over the years.^{[citation needed]}

The town also has long-established rugby and cricket clubs and a publicly owned 18-hole golf course.^[148]

Formerly Grundy Park Leisure Centre, the Laura Trott Leisure Centre was renamed after £4m redevelopment to honour the Olympic gold medallist. Trott attended the launch on the morning before competing in stage four of the first Women's Tour from Cheshunt to Welwyn Garden City.^[149]

Cheshunt Community Sports Park includes indoor and outdoor bowls courts. Further bowling facilities are available at Whit Hern Park (lawn bowls) and Cedars Park (boules).

The Cheshunt Hockey Club is based at Haileybury Turnford school.

Media

The town is within the BBC London and ITV London region. Television signals are received from the Crystal Palace TV transmitter ^[150] Local radio stations are BBC Three Counties Radio and Heart Hertfordshire. The town is served by the local newspaper, Cheshunt & Waltham Mercury which is published by the Hertfordshire Mercury.

Transport

Rail

Cheshunt Station on both the National Rail network and the London Overground network. Services run southbound to Liverpool Street via Tottenham Hale or Seven Sisters and Stratford and northbound to Hertford East, Bishop's Stortford and Cambridge.^[151] The station is in Transport For London's Travelcard Zone 8.

Crossrail 2 will connect north-east London to south-west London when constructed and is proposed to stop at Cheshunt station, along with improving the station.^[152]

Road

Cheshunt is located on the A10 (also known locally as the Great Cambridge Road), which provides links to Junction 25 of the M25 London Orbital Motorway, Central London, Hertford and Cambridge. Also roads lead to Waltham Cross and Waltham Abbey

Town twinning

Cheshunt is twinned with Stains, Île-de-France, France; north of Paris.

See also

• Burnt Farm Cottage