Pictures of Abbots Langley

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.
Abbots Langley is close to the attractive River Colne and King's Langley. With the City of London within easy driving distance.

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.