IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Ryder Close, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HP3 0HY

Bovingdon was once a centre of straw plaiting for hatmakers in Luton. Looking south eastwards down the High Street, The Bell is the near public house on the left, with The Bull the next building but one.

Bovingdon's most recognisable landmark is the five-sided Old Well at the junction of Green Lane with the High Street. An inscription around the arches reads "This house with the well is dedicated to ye beloved memory of Ye Honourable Granville D Ryder, late of Westbrook Hay of this Parish, who was born on November 26th 1799 and died on November 24th 1879, and was raised by his relatives for the use and comfort of his friends. The Village of Bovingdon April 1881". Needless to say the well is now sealed...

Green Lane is on the right

The old part of a much-expanded village focuses on this staggered crossroads with a pond (in the greenery at the bottom left corner), well shelter and the hanging frame for a pub sign, sadly empty.

Located in Chipperfield Road HP3 0JN, this information board is maintained by Bovingdon Parish Council and has the following wording: WELCOME TO BOVINGDON VILLAGE The settlement of Bovingdon dates from the 1200s when the forest was cleared and arable farming began. Dwellings were clustered around individual farms, all being served by St Lawrence Church est. in 1235. The village gradually grew over centuries eventually appearing in its present form in the 1900s. The Americans arriving in WW2 to serve at the newly constructed airfield brought about the largest single change to the village, staying until the 1960s. Left column Photo Bovingdon c1907 In between the school and the Memorial Hall was the 1930s Fire Station, the original volunteer fire brigade formed in the 1920s used a shed. This fire brigade served the village until 2006 when it was closed and the building incorporated into our Memorial Hall. Photo: Bovingdon Fire Brigade Armistice Day 1930s The heart of the village contained 3 pubs, 17th century Bell, Wheatsheaf and Bull. Photo: Village Centre 1907 Middle Column Photo: Ladybirds entry Bovingdon Revels 2000 Photo: Maypole Dancing, Flower Show c1910 Map of Bovingdon village Photo: Millennium Village Sign Bovingdon's most well known feature is the Ryder Memorial. This memorial commemorates Granville Ryder, a great village benefactor. It was built in 1881 as a well cover for a hand pump. Photo: Granville Ryder Photo: Ryder Memorial c.1909 Right Column Photo: Bovingdon High Street c1928 Halfway down the High Street you are opposite our new school circa 1927, previously the school house was in Chipperfield Road. Photo: Mid High Street c1910 Next door stands Bovingdon Memorial Hall 1921; this is the village's memorial to those who died in World War One. The hall was built by public subscription on land donated by Granville Ryder. Image: St Lawrence Church St Lawrence Church rebuilt in 1840s, standing in the third largest churchyard in Hertfordshire.

This photo shows the entrance to the Memorial Hall with a clock above it. The sign says the following: MEMORIAL HALL To the glory of God in thankfulness for service sacrifice and victory 1914-1918 Village Hall erected 1921 A defibrillator can be seen to the left of the entrance doors whilst there is a noticeboard to the right.

This photo shows the plaque outside the memorial hall in High Street. It has the following wording: IN COMMEMORATION Of members of the 3rd Air Division, 7531st Air Base Squadron and Support Units, 3rd U.S. Air Force who served from Bovingdon Airfield. The Units provided proficiency flying, operational flights and communications in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The dedication to service and devotion to duty of the U.S. Air Force members contributed to the deterrence of tyranny and the preservation of peace and freedom. 1949 Image of U.S. Air Force plane 43-49774 1962 Dedicated September 20, 1998

Situated in High Street HP3 0HJ, this war memorial hall was built by significant donations from local people and public subscription to commemorate the fallen of the Great War. It was opened in 1921, having cost £3,000 to build, and immediately became the centre of village life. Today, it is used for various village activities and houses the office of Bovingdon Parish Council.