Introduction & History
Kelshall Introduction & History
It is daunting to realise that in Kelshall we have evidence of human habitation spanning the great periods of history – evidence of bronze age barrows; Roman artefacts (now in Letchworth museum) and settlement by ancient Britons. Being located on the top of the chalk ridge, Kelshall was one of several villages established along the southern side of the Icknield Way, a great swathe of land which formed an East / West route through the ages – a way for drovers and travellers moving their livestock and wares across the country. For the Romans too the location fell squarely on the road from the garrisons at St Albans and Colchester. Travellers would have stopped for food and shelter for their livestock at villages like Therfield and Kelshall.
The village was resettled in Saxon times and by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 we know that Kelshall (Chelselle or Keleshelle) was a community of 15 villagers, 9 smallholders, 2 cottages and 2 slaves. The manor of Kelshall had been gifted by Duke Athelstan to the Abbot of Ely in around the year 1000 and a Bishop of Ely – John Fordham – who granted kinsman the right to farm the land (descendants of the family continue to farm in the Parish) played an important role in initiating the building of the present church from 1388 onwards. There were two further manorial holdings in the area - Horwellbury (near the church) and Woodhall (at that time located in Philpotts wood).
By the 14th Century the population of Kelshall was probably similar to present day numbers (c.150) and by the year 1500 the village entered a prosperous phase. Some of the older houses in the village date from the 1600’s. The population grew with a brisk trade in foodstuffs, barley and grains serving the burgeoning population of London.
In 1795 the Enclosure Act caused the shape of the countryside to change with large fields replacing the strip fields cultivated by villagers in previous centuries. The changes in farming practice gave rise to greater labour efficiency and the population declined as many young people sought work in the growing urban conurbations of England or travelled with their families to farms in North America, Australia and New Zealand. However Kelshall remained predominantly a farming community up until the Second World War and whilst there remain farming families, the population now largely comprises those who are retired or commute to work in neighbouring towns and cities. Kelshall has retained its character and rural quietude due to restrictions on housing development and the relative lack of traffic through the village. Like many villages it has lost its village school, village pub, shop and blacksmith but being near to Therfield can enjoy some shared facilities. The church and village hall continue to thrive.
Places to see
Entering the village from the A505 from Baldock you come to the highest point of the village at Stump Cross (c.500ft). Drive along the ridge eastwards and turn right into North End. A pond which served the adjoining farm at Fox Hall for centuries is on your right as is Fox Hall itself.
Further on, in the middle of the crossroads and at the centre of the village, is an obelisk constructed to celebrate the second millennium and containing a time capsule in its base. Nearby is the old village school building, now the Village Hall.
At this junction turn left into the Street, which in former times continued further with a few more dwellings. Here are some charming period houses including The Maltings, The Quillet and Inglenook; or straight ahead down Church Lane to the church (see separate webpage), behind the Old Rectory. The latter features a fine façade which was added in 1788 by the distinguished architect, Sir John Soane.
Those who want to know more about the history of the area will be interested in the activities and publications of the North Hertfordshire Villages Research Group.