Kings Langley
Published by E. H. Macmillan, Kings Langley - Posted 1907
Part of the parish became Chipperfield in 1863 and another part was transferred to the new parish of Apsley in 1873.
Map from Hemel Hempstead Rural District Official Guide (1971)
An early 19th century view of Kings Langley valley
Note All Saint's Church in the distance, and a barge on the canal in the
foreground
From Kings Langley - A
Hertfordshire Village
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The following description comes from Watford and its surroundings - Homeland Guide published in 1906.
From Langleybury Church the road is as straight as a die. About a quarter of a mile on, after leaving on the left the private road to King's Langley Lodge, we noticec on the right a public footpath which leads to the railway station. we, however, continue forward, and another quarter of a mile or so brings us in sight of King's Langley Church, which stands at the south entrance to the village. We are now treading historic ground; and before examining the many objects of interest which the Church contains, will recall some of the more important names and incidents, and visit the ruins, that have served to make King's Langley not a little famous.
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The first turning on the left past the Church brings us to what remain of the ruins of Langley Palace, which, according to some authorities, was built by Henry III, and according to others, by some person or persons unknown.
Be that as it may, there remain plenty of evidence and numerous records of the many great personages who have dwelt at different times within the old palace. For instance, we read of Edward I staying here with his court for several weeks, to the great disgust of the inhabitants of the surrounding country; for it is said that, while Longshanks did not hesitate to lay his hands on the provisions of his dutiful subjects, by some strange lapse of memory he forgot to pay for them. In 1299 Edward, with his second Queen, Margaret, again entertained noble company at Langley Palace; bhut as there is no record of a renewal of the bitter lamentations of the inhabitants of the district, on this occasion, presumably, the lengthy monarch paid for whatsoever he appropriated. [There continues a lengthy history of later Medieval Royal associations, etc]
Leavng the old Priory and the ruined Palace of ancient Kings, \\'e retrace our steps to the village, and direct our attention to King's Langley Church, which is a perpendicular structure of flint and Totternhoe stone, and is dedicated to All Saints. The square west tower is embattled, and has an angle turret and a flint and stone porch. [See Kings Langley Parish Church for the rest of the description of the church].
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Having strolled about the large and interesting village, the chief industries of which are paper making and straw plaiting, we cross the Gade by one of the two bridges with which it is here spanned, and bearing south, passing the railway station and the Booksellers' Provident Retreat, which was erected in 1849 for the accommodation of aged members of the Booksellers' Provident Institution and their widows, take the left-hand road to Abbot's Langley, which is one and a half miles to the south-east. ~~~~~~~~~ Web site: Kings Langley Local History & Museum Society - contains an interesting collection of local pictures - such as the above 19th century engraving of the parish church, and a query facility about former residents. It also publishes a number of excellent books on Kings Langley and anyone with ancestors in the area should visit their site and check out their publications.
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Kings Langley Railway Station (From Dacorum within living memory) |
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Langley Hill in Winter posted 1907 |
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The Ovaltine Factory and Farms at Kings Langley |
December 2009 Page restructured with new material
