Considering its name, what does Elstree mean? Elstree’s name comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase for Tidwulf’s Tree. It is mentioned as Tidulfres treow in an 11–12th-century manuscript. This manuscript is from an A.D. 786 charter.
Welcome to Elstree. This large village is in the Hertsmere borough of Hertfordshire. It is about 15 miles northwest of central London. Elstree sits on the former A5 road. This road follows the course of Watling Street. Elstree’s population was 5110 in 2011. It forms part of the civil parish of Elstree and Borehamwood. It was originally known simply as Elstree.
The village often lends its name to businesses in Borehamwood. The names Elstree and Borehamwood are used interchangeably. Elstree is best known for its film studio complexes. Many films were made here. This includes BBC Elstree Centre, where EastEnders is filmed. This production center is in Borehamwood.
Elstree has a rich history. In the 5th century, the Battle of Ailestreu took place here. British warlord Vortigern and his sons fought the Saxons. Horsa was killed in this battle. Some historians think this battle may have been in Aylesbury.
The Manor of Elstree was once part of the Manor of Parkbury. It belonged to the Abbey of St Albans. Henry VIII granted it to Anthony Denny after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
In 1607, Anthony Denny’s grandson sold part of the estate to Robert Briscoe. Sir Baptist Hicks bought it from Briscoe the same year. Part of the estate became the Manor of Boreham. It was sold to Edward Beauchamp. The Beauchamp-Proctor family owned it until 1748. James West bought it then.
In 1776, the House of Lords passed an Act about Boreham Wood Common. It was for dividing and closing the Common or Waste Ground. This area was in the Parish of Elstree.
Elstree has several Grade II listed buildings. The Holly Bush public house dates back to the 15th century. Aldenham House and its stable block were built around 1672. The Leys was built in 1901. George Henry Walton, a Scottish architect, designed it.
The Manor hotel is on Barnet Lane. It was formerly the Edgwarebury Hotel. This Tudor-style building dates back to 1540. It became a hotel in the 1960s. Many TV shows and films have used it. The Devil Rides Out, a 1968 Hammer Horror film, was filmed here. Peter Sellers, Tom Cruise, and Stanley Kubrick have stayed here. It was the country home of Sir Arthur Trevor Dawson. He was an armaments manufacturer.
Elstree Aerodrome has a paved runway. It is suitable for light aircraft. It is also a helicopter center for north London. In 1975, Graham Hill died in a plane crash near the runway. He was a Formula One race car driver.
Elstree has several schools. Aldenham School and Haberdashers’ Boys’ School are here. Haberdashers’ School for Girls and St Nicholas Church of England V.A Primary School are also located here.
Elstree Reservoir was built in 1795. French prisoners of war built the dam.
Elstree has been home to many notable people. Simon Cowell, the American Idol judge, grew up here. Stanley Kubrick, the film director, lived on Barnet Lane.
Elstree is a village with a long and interesting history. From its Anglo-Saxon roots to its role in film and television, Elstree has something for everyone. It is a great place to live, work, and visit. Take a moment to appreciate the history and beauty of Elstree.