Pictures of England
 Exploring the most Picturesque & Historic parts of England..

Pictures of Abbots Langley

in the county of Hertfordshire

Poppies in a field, Abbots Langley, near Watford, Herts.

About Abbots Langley

Abbots Langley is interesting for the fact that it is the birthplace of the only Englishman ever to become Pope. He was born Nicholas Breakspeare in around 1100, he served the Church of Rome as Pope Adrian IV from 1154 to 1159. He is believed to have choked to death.

From Saxon times religion played an important role in the life of the village, most of what went on in daily life was influenced by the monks at St.Albans Monastery. Following the Norman invasion, Paul de Caen became Abbot and it is during this period Abbots Langley was mentioned in the Doomsday Book.

The beautiful church dedicated to St.Lawrence was built during the 12th-century. It has the original nave and a 14th-century south chapel. Also from the 14th-century is the west tower, an octagonal perpendicular font and wall paintings of St.Lawrence and St.Thomas. The church possesses a most impressive monument to Lord Raymond (d.1732). It is by Sir Henry Chere and shows an effigy in robes, with seated beside him an allegorical figure holding a portrait medallion. Another important monument in the church, is that to the 2nd Lord Raymond by Peter Scheemaker. Doomsday records show that there may have been an earlier Saxon church on the same spot as the present Norman church was erected.

Abbots Langley was affected by the plague and black death of the 14th-century, at the same time the power of the Abbot was challenged in the peasants revolt of 1381. However, the village remained under the rule of the Abbot until Henry VIII split the church in order to take a second wife while Queen Catherine was still alive.

During the period of the Civil War the village supported the Parliamentarians, along with St.Albans and the rest of Hertfordshire. There was much turbulence and near starvation for many before the monarchy was restored in 1660. The old order of Church, King and Country was once again in place and Abbots Langley began to prosper.

For centuries the place has flourished, beautiful houses covering almost every architectural period where built and the village became an attractive place to live for those seeking refuge from the City. In spite of the nearness of the MI and M25, it remains so to this day.

Abbots Langley is close to the attractive River Colne and King's Langley. With the City of London within easy driving distance, this part of Hertfordshire makes a serene place to stop whilst exploring the bright lights and interesting historical sights of London and the County.

Places to visit include: The Gardens of the Rose, Old Gorhambury House, St.Nicholas Church, The River Colne, The Wildfowl Trust near London Colney and The Museum at Watford.

Add town to favourites

Recommended towns & villages near Abbots Langley

Hemel Hempstead town centre

Hemel Hempstead

Set in a delightful valley of the Chilterns, formed by the River Gade, the town is noted for its variety of old buildings which include the Norman church dedicated to St.Mary...

Information | Pictures (20) | Hotels

Market Place looking towards St Peters Street, St Albans,  Hertfordshire

St Albans

One of the most pleasant parts of St.Albans is quaint Fishpond Street. The street derives it's name from a fishpond which lay nearby in medieval times where the monks used to fish...

Information | Pictures (95) | Hotels

Rickmansworth, Herts

Rickmansworth

This is a lovely old town where three rivers meet, it has lakes and watermeadows, and during the 20th-century was known for having one of the finest bathing lakes, close to.....

Information | Pictures (66) | Hotels

On the Canal at Berkhamsted, Herts

Berkhamsted

With so much to see and experience this fascinating little town makes the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend away from it all...

Information | Pictures (11) | Hotels

In a wood in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire

Wheathampstead

An abiding feature of Wheathampstead is it beautiful 14th-century church dedicated to Saint Helen...

Information | Pictures (4) | Hotels

All towns in Hertfordshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Recommended attractions near Abbots Langley

Geese in Verulamium Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire.

Verulamium Park St Albans

This park is the site where one of the biggest cities in Roman Britain once stood - Verulamium...

Information | Pictures (15) | Hotels

Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban, St Albans, Hertfordshire

St Albans Cathedral and Abbey Church

Dominating the city skyline on every main approach, the magnificent Abbey Church is a former Norman Abbey Church set in the.....

Information | Pictures (18) | Hotels

Redbournbury Water Mill, St Albans, Hertfordshire

Redbournbury Mill

The only working mill on the River Ver. Now a museum after a huge restoration project...

Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels

No picture available

Chenies Manor House

This fabulous house was owned by the Russell family until the 1950's. Chenies was originally built around 1640 for the Cheyne.....

Information | Hotels

View over Aldenham Reservoir Country Park, Bushey, Hertfordshire

Aldenham Country Park

Created in 1971, this 175 acre of woodland, parkland and open water is an ideal setting for everyone. The park contains an.....

Information | Pictures (3) | Hotels


All attractions in Abbots Langley
All attractions in Hertfordshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Hotels & Accommodation in Abbots Langley

Book the Hunton Park in Essex Lane, Watford, Hunton Bridge, Kings Langley, Watford, Hertfordshire, England

Hunton Park

Essex Lane, Watford, Hunton Bridge, Kings Langley, Watford, Hertfordshire, England (1.0 miles, 1.6 km)
With a sweeping driveway and 22 acres of beautiful gardens, this historic mansion house hotel with leisure facilities is an excellent venue for conferences and social occasions. Conveniently locate...
More info and book online..  Price from £59.00

Book the Kings Langley Premier Travel Inn in 37 Hempstead Rd, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, England

Kings Langley Premier Travel Inn

37 Hempstead Rd, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, England (1.5 miles, 2.5 km, direction NW)
Ideal location for visiting the Hertsfordshire countryside or for business in Hemel Hempstead. Not too far to Aylesbury if you are looking for a stopover. Good location for Vicarage Road stadium as we...
More info and book online..  Price from £49.00

Book the Thistle St Albans in Watford Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, England4 stars

Thistle St Albans

Watford Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, England (2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction NE)
On the edge of historic St Albans, yet just a few minutes from the m25 and m1. This 111 bedroom hotel offers a warm and friendly welcome to both business and leisure travellers. The hotel has been t...
More info and book online..  Price from £60.00

Book the Express By Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead in Stationers Place, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England

Express By Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead

Stationers Place, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England (3.1 miles, 4.9 km, direction NW)
Contemporary accommodation, a warm welcome and a great, convenient location. Stay at Express by Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead and you will enjoy comfort, convenience and value for money. Stays at Expr...
More info and book online..  Price from £52.00

Book the Park Inn Watford in 30-40 St. Albans Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, England

Park Inn Watford

30-40 St. Albans Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, England (3.2 miles, 5.2 km, direction S)
Newly refurbished; same great location; come and experience the transformation. Easily accessible via the M1 and M25, a short walk from Watford Junction mainline railway station and the popular Har...
More info and book online..  Price from £69.00


More Abbots Langley hotels...

Nearby travel help

Kings Langley Station(1.1 miles, 1.7 km)
M25 Junction 20(1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction SW)
M25 Junction 21 / M1 Junction 6A(1.6 miles, 2.5 km, direction NE)
Garston (Herts) Station(2.4 miles, 3.8 km, direction SE)
London Luton Airport(11.8 miles, 18.9 km, direction N)
London Heathrow Airport(16.2 miles, 26.1 km, direction S)
Abbots Langley to London(18.6 miles, 30.0 km, direction SE)

User Login

UK Hotel Search

Enter destination:

(town, attraction, airport, postcode or hotel name)
Select date:
Nights:
Rooms:

Picture Tours