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The old village lies in the southern region of Hertfordshire. Evidence points to human occupation since Neolithic times. Ancient peoples lived in or near Knebworth during the Bronze Age. The community was established by the Saxons somewhere between the fifth and seventh centuries. In 1086, the town, then called Chenepeworde, had a population of around 150 people. Tenements and farms developed around a manor house, occupied for centuries by local barony families. The village passed to the Crown in 1517, but the manor estate was eventually acquired by the Lytton family who remain in the Knebworth estate today.
During the late 1800s, a new community formed adjacent to Old Knebworth. Using the local smithy shop, a group of Scots farmers constructed a church in 1886. In one year the building would become a Congregational Church and a Methodist Church in the 1970s. The two parts of Knebworth are separated by a roadway and open green fields. Shops and services developed around the main road running through the village. The town supported itself with agricultural products and a coal industry.
Activities and Attractions
Knebworth House and Gardens daily welcomes visitors. The manor house is surrounded by 100 hectares (250 acres) of ornate flower beds, tree lined avenues and specialty gardens. Created especially for young guests, the Dinosaur Trail houses 72 life-sized beasts, providing a unique learning experience. The property also contains a maze and an adventure play area hosting plenty of structures for climbing, jumping, sliding and swinging. The deer park has been home to two herds of deer for hundreds of years. The massive manor house greets guests at the gate with a set of sculptured gargoyles. The expansive mansion has numerous spire like turrets and medieval towers.
The home has welcomed numerous famous guests over the years including Charles Dickens, JM Barrie and Winston Churchill. The property regularly hosts different events including automotive events, food and garden shows, jousting competitions and rock concerts. Another historic building on the property is St. Mary's Church. The chancel and nave date to 1120 AD. Various renovations occurred through the centuries and the building contains wood and stone carvings, sculptures and paintings passed down through history. The location has miles of cycling and walking paths taking visitors through both parts of Knebworth and around the beautiful countryside.
Places to Stay and Dining
Take in the splendour of the English landscape by staying at a local manor house. Besides modern amenities, some facilities also have croquet and tennis courts along with fully equipped gyms. Take advantage of breakfast to go and stroll through acres of scenic surroundings.
The Lytton Arms Family pub and restaurant serves many traditional English meals. Try venison and wild mushroom casserole with mashed potatoes, or Lancashire hotpot with cabbage and homemade bread. Feast on a choice of steaks served with onion rings, mushrooms and chips.
Accommodation in Knebworth
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