Info about the area
Shenley village is part of the Hertfordshire civil parish, situated 18.7 miles to the northwest of central London. Located on the outskirts of Radlett, it is located between Barnet and St Albans. Shenley boasts a rich history going back more than a thousand years, and as such, is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The village is home to several historical buildings and modern sports clubs.
History
The village receives its namesake from an Anglo-Saxon phrase, meaning “fair or bright clearing or wood”, referencing the fact that the area was heavily wooded during the early Middle Ages period.
Architecture
Perhaps one of the most recognisable buildings in Shenley is the so-called "cage" or "lockup". The (relatively) sizeable domed building, sporting a single arched doorway was built during the 1700s when it served as a prison for the parish constabulary. Back then, there was no national policing system, meaning that each area needed to be equipped for provincial lockups. Buildings like this one allowed authorities to detain criminals before sending them off to trial.
Food
The centre of Shenley houses two major pubs – King William IV & The White Horse. True to its namesake, the menu of the former offers choice British cosine and a rural atmosphere. At the same time, the latter is a premium gastropub, focused on modern dishes with a touch of Mediterranean influence.
Clubs and sports activities
Shenley village is the home training ground of the Watford and Arsenal Football Clubs, opened in 1999 and 2000 respectively. For the Cricket fans, there is the Shenley Cricket Grounds, featuring an authentic 19th-century pavilion, designed by W. G. Grace. The ground enjoys worldwide recognition and frequently hosts women’s cricket and U19 international matches.
Schools
The Shenley Primary school, located at the centre of the village is the most popular choice for locals, with an average of 50 children in each year group. The last Ofsted inspection, however, has found the school lacking and in need of improvements. The main alternative is found in the face of the Manor Lodge – a private primary school for children between the ages of 4 and 11, situated at the village outskirts. For Jewish Children, Shenley has the Core Shalom primary school – a single-from entry Jewish educational establishment focused on traditional Jewish studies and the National Curriculum.
The nearest secondary school options are St Albans’ Samuel Ryder Academy (rated “good” by Ofsted) and Borehamwood’s Hertswood Academy (rated “inadequate). For the parents who prefer non-coeducational options, there are also Elstree’s Haberdashers' Aske's Schools for Boys and Girls, located on the outskirts of Elstree.
Transportation
The Hertfordshire bus routes pass directly through Shenley, allowing prompt access to Central and Northern London. The nearest railway station can be found in Radlett, less than ten minutes away by car.
For more information about the Shenley and surrounding areas, please feel free to get in touch with our property experts.