Area Guide: The historic Marshalswick area of St Albans

Situated to the northeast of the city centre, Marshalswick is a suburban enclave with its own unique identity.

The area is home to some of St Albans' most sought-after schools, as well as useful shops including a Marks & Spencer Foodhall.

Marshalswick historically fell within Sandridge parish, but it now partly straddles an unparished area of St Albans and borders Jersey Farm, Fleetville and Bernards Heath.

The city centre is approximately 1.5 miles away, and has a wide range of facilities and links to London.

History 

Marshalswick dates back to the 13th century and is named after John and William Marschal, who owned the land between 1271 and 1377.

In Old English, 'Wick' means 'dwelling place' or 'hamlet'.

The surrounding land and woodland mark the original site of the old mansion house, Marshal's Wick Mansion, which was pulled down in 1927.

Its two lodges are now known as 1 Marshal’s Drive and 191 Marshalswick Lane. 

In the 1930s, the area changed dramatically after a huge parcel of land was bought at auction by TF Nash Homes Ltd. Kingshill Avenue was among the first streets to be completed.

These ‘Nash semis’ featured the signature window shutters, many of which are still in place today. 

Property 

Marshalswick is home to some of the most desirable roads in St Albans, featuring some of the city's most expensive properties.

Marshal’s Drive, The Park, Faircross Way, and Homewood Road are widely considered to be among the most prestigious addresses in town — and homes on those roads don't come cheap. 

The Park (Image: Archant) Properties in Marshalswick had an overall average price of £619,145 over the last year. 

The majority of sales in Marshalswick during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £474,941.

Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £797,619, with detached properties fetching £990,429. 

Currently on the market in Marshalswick are a four-bedroom, semi-detached property at The Ridgeway for £1,125,000 and a three-bedroom apartment at The Quadrant for £300,000. 

Amenities  

Marshalswick Quadrant is a shopping hub with a range of independent businesses and national chains, including a pharmacy, a jewellers, a bed shop, Budgens convenience store and several estate agents. 

Food options include the family-run Ridgeway Fish Bar, Fade to Black coffee shop and KFC, Greggs, Subway and Simmons bakers. 

The M&S Foodhall potentially saves a trip into town, and there is a Sainsbury's Local petrol station.

Marshalswick also has its own library and community centre.  

M&S Foodhall in Marshalswick (Image: Google Maps) Schools  

Families moving from further afield, or local residents moving away from the city centre, are frequently drawn to Marshalswick's outstanding state schools.

Often families move specifically to secure a place for their child at Sandringham, a secondary school with academy status.

Ranked ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted at its last full inspection, Sandringham's main feeder primaries are Skyswood Primary School (‘outstanding’) and Wheatfields Junior School (‘good’). 

St John Fisher Catholic Primary School and Wheatfields Infants' and Nursery School are also located in Marshalswick.  

Green Spaces  

The Wick nature reserve runs between Marshal's Drive and Sandpit Lane, is popular with dog walkers.

The land was originally part of the park grounds of Marshalswick House, before it was demolished in 1927. 

Sir Arthur Copson Peake, the then owner of the land, gave the space to the community in 1929 in the hope that it would remain in its natural state.

According to the Friends of The Wick, the green space is made up of 3.3 hectares of deciduous woodland and 1.5 ha of field, with areas of meadow.  

The Wick (Image: Archant) The ancient semi-natural woodland is rich in wildlife, and its main trees are oak and hornbeam. There is also a seasonal pond. 

Members of the public have unrestricted public access to The Wick, and the wooded area is criss-crossed by paths. 

The 55-acre Jersey Farm Woodland Park is another nearby green space, and can be accessed from Sandringham Crescent.

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, who have offices in St Albans, Marshalswick, Wheathampstead and Harpenden (www.frosts.co.uk/branches) (Image: Frost's)