Flamstead, a pretty Hertfordshire village on the edge of the Chilterns, is known for its strong sense of community. We found out more...
Situated between Redbourn and Markyate, Flamstead is home to around 1,400 residents as of the 2021 census, and is known for its annual scarecrow festival.
The first documented record of Flamstead was in 1006, and it is mentioned in the Domesday Book. In the Middle Ages the village had its own market and fair.
In 2008, Channel 4's Time Team discovered a previously unknown major Roman temple complex in Flamstead, which was likely associated with Verulamium (now St Albans).
During the reign of the Emperor Trajan an earlier building was constructed on the site, based on a coin found there dating back to 98 AD.
Many of the current buildings in the village date from the 15th to the 17th centuries, and the historic almshouses date back to 1669.
Although Flamstead falls under Dacorum council, it comes with an AL3 postcode.
Property
There are around 500 homes in Flamstead, 65 of which are listed buildings - including the almshouses..
However being in such historical and charming surroundings does not come cheap.
According to Rightmove, properties in Flamstead had an overall average price of £822,750 over the last year.
The majority of sales in Flamstead during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £1,050,000. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £595,500
Of homes currently for sale in Flamstead, there is a three-bedroom detached house on Delmer End Lane for £1,350,000 and a three-bedroom detached bungalow at Old Watling Street for £975,000
Church
At the very heart of the village there is the historic St Leonard's Church.
The present church building was constructed during the Norman ere, in 1140.
A recent £1m restoration project has helped save the 12th century building to ensure it's preserved for future generations.
Flamstead Scarecrow Festival
One of the highlights of the village's calendar, Flamstead Scarecrow Festival was first held in 2002 and celebrates the villagers' community spirit.
Each August, villagers display an array of homemade scarecrows in their front gardens and around the village, and those with the most creative designs are named the winners.
Members of the public are invited to fill out forms each year to vote for their favourite scarecrow.
The festival raises money to support St Leonard's Church, as well as other local charities and organisations.
Primary school-age pupils can attend Flamstead Village School in Trowley Hill Road, which is a half-form entry primary with a morning nursery. The school received a 'good' rating at its most recent Ofsted inspection.
The nearest secondary school options are in Harpenden, and include Katherine Warington School, Roundwood Park School, St George's School and Sir John Lawes School.
There is also Beechwood Park School in nearby Markyate, which is a co-educational prep day and boarding school and welcomes boys and girls aged three to 13.
Leisure and amenities
There are a number of active groups and societies within the village.
Flamstead Cricket Club, which was founded in 1875, plays at their pitch in Friendless Lane.
The village is also home to the Three Blackbirds, a family and dog-friendly traditional English village pub.
The Rose & Crown in Trowley Bottom has been described as "a gem of a small village pub" by CAMRA's Pub Heritage Group.
Travel
For such a rural village, Flamstead has surprisingly good transport links.
The M1 and London Luton Airport are situated nearby, and there are bus routes to Luton, Dunstable, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead.
The nearest train stations are in St Albans and Harpenden.
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