Stotfold
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Stotfold | |
  Stotfold shown within Bedfordshire |
|
| Population | 6,209 (2001 census) |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| District | Mid Bedfordshire |
| Shire county | Bedfordshire |
| Region | East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Hitchin |
| Postcode district | SG5 |
| Dialling code | 01462 |
| Police | Bedfordshire |
| Fire | Bedfordshire and Luton |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| European Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament | North East Bedfordshire |
| List of places: UK • England • Bedfordshire | |
Stotfold is a small village in the district of Mid Bedfordshire in Bedfordshire. It is about four miles north of Letchworth (which is in Hertfordshire).
In the 1800s, Stotfold was regarded as a wealthy place. The saying was that to live in Stotfold, one has to have £100 and a pig.
Stotfold is thought to have gained its name from the northern cattle drovers breaking their journey south at this point on the A1 Great North Road and penning their cattle (stots) in enclosures (folds) before continuing their journeys southwards.
The River Ivel runs through the town. Stotfold covers 2,207 acres and the current population, according to the 2001 census, is 6,209 [1].
The church of St Mary's dates back to Norman times.
Stotfold is famous for its Mill, Stotfold Mill, which is situated near Mill Close. The mill burnt down in 1992 but was rebuilt over 2001 and work is still going on and off. The mill wheel, for the first time in many years, is turning again [2].
Black squirrels are often seen in Stotfold, as they surround the area [3]. Stotfold is also known in the bird community, with many kingfisher nests and rare birds nearby.
The town is split through a long road (High Street) which separates The east side from the west. There are two parks and one recreational ground, with a MUGA and Roker Park Football pitch.
[edit] New estates
Building work continues to expand the town, with new areas such as Mill View and Fairfield Park. Fairfield Park is on the site of the old Fairfield Hospital (famous Mental Health unit) covering a very large area, south of Stotfold and to the east of Arlesey. The old hospital has been converted into luxury apartments. It also includes hundreds of new houses most of which are 3 to 5 bedroom and completely out of the price range of most first time buyers.
Fairfield Park is within the boundaries of Stotfold, but is about a mile south of the main part of Stotfold and is nearer to Letchworth. As of 2007, building continues at Fairfield Park and there is planned to be around 1'000 houses in total. With this new development, Mill View and another large development (around 500 homes) on the edge of Stotfold next to the A507 Bypass, the population will nearly double.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Stotfold Photos Flickr Group
- An unusual telephone mast in the town
- Town Council
- Map sources for Stotfold
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