Bennetts End, Hemel Hempstead

Bennetts End is a small part of the larger Hemel Hempstead, a town located in Hertfordshire. The roots of this town date back to the 1200s, when it was an individually owned property. Bennetts End farm and house were the only two structures sitting on this land even by the 19th century.
Before the First World War commencement in 1914, Bennetts End was among the few places to serve as an isolation centre for patients with infectious diseases. With a total of 45 beds, it was Hemel Hempstead’s go-to hospital until its timely closure in 1952.

After Hemel Hempstead was officially declared a New Town in 1947, plans to restructure the area took centre stage. The then famous Architect Sir Geoffrey Allan laid the initial groundwork with Bennetts End set to become the second district after Adeyfield began construction. It took less than a year for Judith Ledeboer to see through the construction of 300 houses in the area, which revolutionized the place completely.

By 1952 autumn, the area had popular mobile vans serving the district. The rise of shopping centres like the Bennetts Gate brought stiff competition to the vans as it gained wide popularity. Shops such as the Golden Cockerel, the purpose-built club, and the Denes were the in-demand joints.

Today, a few decades since its birth, Bennetts Ends has flourished into a self-sustaining city. With a population comprising of different age groups, ethnicities, and religions, there is no shortage of creativity. Clear proof of this is the presence of several primary schools and the Longdean secondary school, where generations acquire life knowledge and skills.

The streets within the town have names that signify an important event in the past. Names like Kiln Ground and Kiln Lane, for example, are a tribute to a local tile and brick-making industry that brought much economic traction to the area during medieval times.

The people of Bennetts end are hardworking and welcoming. Hundreds of visitors flock to the town to enjoy quality time from the busy city life. Besides enjoying a good movie at Cineworld, skating at the XC, there’s an indoor snow centre where adults and children can both have a fun time on the ice.

As part of the Greater London Urban area, Bennetts has much to offer for anyone looking to visit. There are fine restaurants and hotels with ample accommodation. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Bennetts End has not been welcoming any guests. However, the town is ready to resume activities as things continue to ease up.