Bedfont’s story began long before the roar of jets filled the sky. West Bedfont is a small village in the borough of Spelthorne. It is situated on the western side of the River Crane. Feltham borders it to the east and Stanwell to the west.
Once known simply as Bedfont, its history stretches back to the 12th century. The village served as a welcome rest stop. Weary travelers made their way to London. Coaching inns offered respite. West Bedfont is now a quiet residential area. It features both modern and traditional homes.
Bedfont boasts a green heart. This is a conservation area that invites exploration. The name “Bedfont” itself whispers of ancient springs. It may come from the Old English words for a spring or small pool. Imagine early travelers. They quenched their thirst at Bedfont’s life-giving source.
But West Bedfont offers more than just history. Bedfont Lakes Country Park spreads over 180 acres. It teems with diverse wildlife. Birds sing, insects buzz, and mammals roam free. Lakes shimmer, woodlands beckon, and meadows carpet the landscape. Nature lovers and walkers find paradise here. The park also offers a visitor center and a café. There is even a children’s play area.
One of the most notable landmarks in West Bedfont is St. Mary’s Church. Its roots go back to around 1150. The church features a Norman chancel and arch. Medieval wall paintings from the 13th century adorn the interior. They were uncovered in 1865.
Look closely at the churchyard. Two yew trees stand. These trees are more than mere foliage. They are living sculptures shaped into peacocks. The trees’ story began in 1704. According to local legend, the trees were trimmed into peacocks as revenge. A rejected suitor sought revenge on two overbearing damsels. The trees stood for two centuries as the pride of the village.
West Bedfont was once divided. West Bedfont mainly lies around Long Lane in the parish of neighboring Stanwell. East Bedfont became modern-day Bedfont.
The village has witnessed England’s evolution. Royalist and Parliamentary armies marched through Bedfont. Later, the Great South West Road diverted traffic around Bedfont. Heathrow Airport’s arrival transformed the area. It became the largest employer.
West Bedfont has two surviving manor houses. Pates Manor dates back to the late 15th century. Fawns Manor dates from the 16th century.
The Bell on the Green remains as the sole survivor of at least six inns. They once served travelers on their way from London to the South West.
Today, West Bedfont is a blend of old and new. It is a place where history and nature intertwine. As you wander through West Bedfont, remember its story. From ancient springs to modern life, Bedfont holds a unique place in history.