HARPENDEN is well worth a visit and may be easily reached from St. Pancras (24 miles), or from King's Cross by changing at Hatfield. Visitors wishing to inspect the church, or to ramble through the large village, beautifully situated at the N. end of Harpenden Common, should be careful not to choose the day of the annual races, the Friday before Epsom week. The church was rebuilt (except the tower) in 1862, in E. Dec. style; prior to 1859 the old structure had been a chapel-of-ease to Wheathampstead (3 miles E.). It probable dated from say 1140 (temp. Stephen) and was originally cruciform and late Norman, The first tower is believed to have been destroyed, by fire about 1470, after which the present W. tower, was built. Many alterations were made during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries; the original Norman clerestory, in particular, being superseded by one of Low Perp. Note (1) Norman font; (2.) brass to William Cressye Esq. (d. 1558) and Grace (Johnson) his wife (d. 1571); (3) brass to William Annabull (d. 1456), and Isabella his wife. Chauncy quotes an inscription to-one William Seabrooke (d, 1462) and Joanna his Wife, which is of some interest from the fact that the name of Seabrooke is common to-day in thia part of Herts; (4.) E. window of atained Munich glass; (5) window in N. transept to the family of the late Sir J. B. Lawes of Rothamstead. Rothamstead (1 mile S.W.), formerly the seat of the above, is in a finely wooded oark. Erected about 1470, it has been almost rebuilt at different times. From the grand entrance, under the clock tower, there is a fine vies looking S. There is an annual Flower Show in the park. Harpenden Bury is 1 mile N.W. from Rothamstead, on the river Ver.

Hatching Green is a hamlet on Harpenden Common, 1 mile S.W. from the station, Midland Railway.

Hertfordshire Little Guide, 1903

St Nicholas, Harpenden (post card posted 1907)

Web Site: Harpenden St Nicholas - also contains information on St Mary's and All Saints churches.

Harpenden Church - Valentine's postcard posted c1940

Church and Green, Harpenden Castle Series of View Cards No 513