Pictures of Rickmansworth

About 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 London.

The manor of Rickmansworth appears in the Doomsday Book; it originally belonged to the Abbey at St.Albans, this fact was confirmed by King John. From the time of the Dissolution the manor passed through various hands in accordance with who was seated on the Throne of England, and this fluctuation continued throughout several centuries, giving the town a somewhat turbulent, but well documented history.

The interesting Three Rivers Museum is sited in the beautiful Basing House, in the town's long winding High Street. This was the former home of William Penn, who took possession of the house after his marriage. In the museum you can learn of Penn's life and times, it also focus's on Moor Park, seat of the late Lord Anson.

In and around the town there are many noted buildings these range from beautiful old farmhouses, school buildings, and there is much Georgian charm to be seen. In the surrounding countryside as well as in the town there are noted Period timber-frame properties. There are many lovely old inns, some retaining much of their original character. The Victorian Baptist Church is built along simple lines with lancet windows, it is a peaceful church which draws much admiration.

St,Mary's Church underwent restoration work during the 19th-century. From the original church, built in 1630, there remains the tower, aisle's and Gothic windows. A notable window of the church is the East Window which was produced in the workshops of William Morris. In 1980 St.Mary's joined with the Methodist Church and worship is shared by both religious communities. Pooled resources have resulted in the building of a new Church centre, and two windows were brought from the Methodist church for insertion at St.Mary's. The church has many treasures including memorials.

Batchworth Lock provides a tranquil area for everyone. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of ducks and birds while soaking up the atmosphere, the lock is the setting for Rickmansworth Canal Festival which attracts upwards of 15,000 visitors, and is a lively event. The waters are crammed with gaily painted Narrowboats, some with music.

Batchworth Lake remains popular for Carp fishing, with the best swims being close to the island. The fishery also contains shoals of bream.

Rickmansworth offers good shopping and leisure facilities, there are smart residential areas, excellent hotels, good restaurants and a choice of smart cafe's.

It is a renowned centre for wildlife, Chenies Manor House has a superb wildlife and nature park, and there is the Chiltern Open Air Museum of wildlife and nature.

Moor Park stands in the grounds of Moor Park Mansion House which was originally built for the Archbishop of York. It was reconstructed in 1727, and the gardens are the work of Capability Brown. A golf club now stands on what where once the Pleasure grounds of the old mansion house.