We are the East Hertfordshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Sarah L.
This is a gentle walk during which we visit Monks Green, A World War 11 memorial, Bramble’s, Highfield and Balls Woods. We will also walk a short section of Ermine Street, which originally ran from London to Lincoln and York.
‘In Saxon times the manor of Brickendon was held by the canons of Waltham Abbey. At that time and until comparatively recently the manor, centred on Brickendonbury, included parts of what is now Hertford, including Horns Mill, West Street and All Saints Church. Following the Reformation the manor passed into secular hands and has been held by a number of owners over the centuries.
The present parish of Brickendon Liberty was formed in 1929 by the amalgamation of the parishes of Brickendon Rural and St John Rural, and in 1935 parts of the parishes of Broxbourne, Hoddesdon Rural and Wormley were added. Part of the eastern boundary of the parish is formed by the former Roman highway Ermine Street which ran from London to York.
So why the ‘Liberty’? In part as expiation for his involvement in the murder of Thomas Becket, Henry II created the Liberty of Brickendon between 1174 and 1184, which granted the Abbot of Waltham freedom from geld and toll (taxes) and the forfeiture of criminals. And whilst the residents of Brickendon are no longer free of taxes(!) the name provides a reminder of and a link to the parish’s historic past.’ https://www.brickendon-liberty.org.uk/history.php
Our walks are relaxed affairs where weather, ground conditions, people we meet along the way, views, nature, and wildlife can all affect the time a walk might take, so our end times are approximate. So please bear this in mind when joining us on one of our walks
We will meet on Brickendon Green at the road junction. There is a small car park as well as on road parking.
