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St. Paul's Walden, Sandon and Therfield
St. Paul's Walden (population 1205*)
An extensive and well wooded parish south of Hitchin which also includes the village of Whitwell at the head of the Mimram valley. St. Paul's Walden has two fine 18th century mansions both standing in parks of great beauty - Stagenhoe and St. Paul's Waldenbury, birthplace of H.M. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. At Whitwell there are a number of early brick and half-timbered houses, several of which are of the 18th century. The church of St. Paul's Walden serves both communities; it has an 18th century vaulted and stuccoed chancel, a nave mostly 14th century, a splendidly ornate Perpendicular screen, and a small 14th century stained glass window.
Sandon (population 493*)
Immediately north of Rushden on the chalk ridge is the scattered farming village of Sandon. At its centre is the 14th century church with a large buttressed tower which was added 300 years later. The chancel contains a 15th century screen and a finely ornamented Jacobean pulpit. Sandon Bury is a 17th century brick house with a now derelict dovecot of the same period.
Therfield (population 539*)
In hilly country south of Royston, Therfield is one of the most interesting parishes in the district. Many of its old houses date between the 16th and 18th centuries, including The Limes, and Tuthill Manor which has been extensively restored. The church was built in 1878 with a tower added in 1911. Therfield Heath, on the northern boundary of the parish overlooking Royston and the Cambridgeshire plain, contains a fine group of prehistoric barrows, including a long barrow unique in Hertfordshire.
