Stanstead Abbotts is a village located in East Hertfordshire, England, U.K. It has a population of just under 2,000 people. The name comes from the fact that the areas was originally a manor that fell under the jurisdiction of a local abbot in the fourteenth century (something which continued until the dissolution of the monasteries by king Henry VIII in the year 1531.) For centuries the main industry in the village was making ale. Today only one area for malting barley remains.
Running alongside the village is the the river Lea (the Lee Valley Marina is located on the edge of the village.) As well as Stanstead Abbotts, the river Lea flows through the old brewing and malting center of Ware. At one time transport by water was a significant industry for moving barley to the breweries, as well as shipping the malted grains or completed products, like beer, to London.
Early in the morning the river is perfect, with still, calming water.
Strolling along the river there are a number of moored narrowboats and barges. Some serve as permanent homes, whereas others are used by holidaymakers. Along with the boats, there are plenty of ducks.
As well as ducks, there are also geese.
Close to the river, an interesting pair of stones are located. The representation suggests that they were inspired by the placement of stones by druids or other ancient Britons.
The village high street boasts three pubs. One is located close to the canal, providing a hand stop-off point for people taking trips along the canal. It has an appropriate water-based name.
Another pub in an impressive building is The Red Lion. The name Red Lion is a very common one for English pubs. The Red Lion is a very old establishment, daring back to 1538.
The village has several other interesting features besides water and “watering holes.” For example, a traditional British post (mail) box.
There is also an old British telephone kiosk. Most of these have now been withdrawn from use. This “phone box” now serves as a place to hang baskets of flowers.
The High Street has a significant number of historical buildings that add character to the area. Included here, there are also some old building, such as “the clock house.” This was once the Baesh Grammar school, founded in 1635.
Even some of the houses have items of interest affixed to their walls.
Also located in the village is a working brewery called The Maltings. Even in the morning the odor of malt is strong. The operating company, French & Jupps, specializes in the production of top-quality coloured malts and has been supplying malt to the food and beverages industry for over 300 years.
The area around the brewery consists of a series of narrow passageways where local businesses occupy the bijou style offices.
Stanstead Abbotts is a pleasant place to visit for a short canal walk or a trip to local pub. It is typical of a village in the county of Hertfordshire.
