IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Woodcock Hill, ST. ALBANS, AL4 9FG

This bridleway runs between Woodcock Hill and Hammonds Lane, running along the western edges of Hill Wood, Hammonds Wood and Symondshyde Great Wood.

For history of farm see Image

For history of this 15th/16th century farm see Image

For history of this 15th/16th century farm see Image

Nos 1 and 2 Fairfold's Farm Cottages were built as a timber framed farmhouse in the 15th or 16th century with cross wings probably added in the 17th century. This was later turned into two 2 cottages. It has gabled wings at each end, slightly projecting and with steep pitched roofs. Centre right section was probably an open hall when first built. http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/Details/Default.aspx?id=163916&mode=quick In 1726 “Fearfull's Farm” was part of the Manor of Sandridge. The copyhold owner was John Huntsman and the tenant was Joseph Smith. The farm was a big one for the time at 229 acres. http://www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/topics/t064-sandridge-1726.htm#_ftn11 Members of the Thrale family were farmers there in the second half of the 18th century until the death of Thomas Thrale in 1813. Thomas was succeeded by his brother-in-law Charles Parsons, who was there until 1834. The next farmer recorded there was James Cole. Later in the 19th century members of the George Family also farmed there as did George Byles.

Looking North from TL188105, the path forking right into Symondshyde Great Wood

Looking almost straight into the sun from TL185104 at the signal mast on the road coming east out of Sandridge. No normal phone mast this; the thing's ringed with two layers of razor wire fence and has a sign at the entrance with a royal coat of arms on it. Photo notes: for better results take photo in morning, not afternoon like I did - the mast's partially obscured by trees from the west, so better to be east of it with the sun behind you.

The Ordnance Survey shows a short length of footpath that runs close to the farm. While there is a finger post on the road the route is not clearly marked – but it runs between the hedge on the immediate left and the crop. The Woods in the distance are Sleeve Hall Wood and Hook's Wood.