Cheshunt (/ˈtʃɛzənt/ CHEZ-ənt) is a town in the Borough of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, England, situated within the London commuter belt approximately north of Central London. The town lies on the River Lea and Lee Navigation, bordering the Lee Valley Park, and forms part of the Greater London Urban Area. As of the 2021 census, the built-up area subdivision of Cheshunt had a population of 43,770.
Historically recorded as Cestrehunt in the Domesday Book of 1086, Cheshunt developed along the Roman road of Ermine Street and shows evidence of prehistoric, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon settlement.
The nearby Theobalds Palace hosted monarchs such as Elizabeth I and James I, and the town later became known for glasshouse horticulture, rose cultivation, and corporate retail, serving as the headquarters of Tesco until 2016.
Cheshunt today is a commuter town with regular services via Cheshunt railway station on the West Anglia Main Line and London Overground, and is accessible by road via the A10 and M25 motorway. The local economy includes logistics, retail, business parks, and hospitality, and is undergoing transformation with major developments such as Cheshunt Lakeside, Brookfield Riverside, and a £1 billion Google data centre.
Notable residents have included Cliff Richard, Victoria Beckham, and Olympic cyclist Laura Kenny.
Toponymy
The name
Cheshunt originates from the Old English term
Cestrehunt, which appears in the
Domesday Book of 1086.
The first element,
ceaster, derives from the
Latin castra, meaning "fort" or "military camp", a common component in English place names that indicates
Roman Empire origins.
The second element,
hunt, is thought to denote "a hunting ground" or "huntsman", suggesting that the area may have been known for its association with hunting.
This etymology is consistent with Cheshunt's position along the Roman road of Ermine Street, which connected Londinium to Eboracum (modern-day London to York). Though no archaeological evidence of a Roman fort has been conclusively identified in Cheshunt itself, its toponymic structure and strategic location suggest a Roman presence.
Over the centuries, the name gradually evolved through forms such as Cestrehunt and Chestehunt to its modern spelling, Cheshunt, preserving the linguistic memory of its ancient origins.
History
Cheshunt's history spans
Prehistory settlements to its modern role as a
commuter town, shaped by its strategic location along
Ermine Street, prominence in horticulture, and transformation through royal associations, industrialisation, and suburban growth.
Prehistoric and Roman period
Archaeological evidence indicates human activity in Cheshunt from prehistoric times, with excavations uncovering flint tools and pottery.
During the Roman era, Cheshunt's position along
Ermine Street, a major road linking Londinium (London) to Eboracum (York), made it a significant staging post.
[[File:Roman Roads in Britannia.svg|thumb|Map of Roman roads in Britannia, with Ermine Street marked in red]]
Evidence of a Roman settlement, possibly a villa or mansio, includes coins and pottery finds. The Roman Urn public house on Crossbrook Street commemorates this heritage. A 2007 Time Team investigation revealed further Roman-era artefacts, confirming notable Roman presence in Cheshunt.
Anglo-Saxon and mediaeval periods
The name Cheshunt likely derives from the Anglo-Saxon "ceastel" (fortified place) and "hunt" (hunting ground).
By the mediaeval period, Cheshunt was an established manor, recorded in the
Domesday Book of 1086 as "Cestrehunt," held by the Count of Mortain with a mill, fishery, and extensive agricultural land.
St Mary the Virgin Church, constructed in the 12th century with Norman architectural features, became a religious and community focal point.
The
Eleanor cross at neighbouring
Waltham Cross, erected in 1291 by Edward I in memory of Queen Eleanor of Castile, highlights Cheshunt's proximity to royal routes.
Tudor period
Cheshunt gained prominence during the
Tudor period, particularly through its association with
Elizabeth I.
Theobalds House, built in the late 15th century by Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley, became a favoured royal residence.
Elizabeth I visited frequently, using Theobalds as a retreat during her progresses and spending time there as a princess under house arrest before her ascension.
The palace was later gifted to James I in 1607, who preferred it over other royal residences.
The last royal resident to call Theobalds Palace home was King Charles I. Following the victory of
Oliver Cromwell and the
Roundhead in the English Civil War, the palace was dismantled, with much of its stone repurposed for other buildings.
Cheshunt Great House, another significant Tudor manor, was linked to a succession of noble and notable figures.In 1519, the Great House came into the possession of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, King Henry VIII chief adviser.
17th and 18th centuries
During the English Civil War, Cheshunt's strategic location along
Ermine Street made it significant.
Theobalds House was seized by
Roundhead, and
Oliver Cromwell is said to have visited, with local tradition linking
Cheshunt Park to his family.
The palace was partially demolished post-war, with materials repurposed, though its grounds remain as Cedars Park, now a public space.
In the 18th century, Cheshunt's economy grew through market gardening, supplying London with produce via the River Lea.
19th century and industrialisation
The 19th century marked a significant transformation for Cheshunt, driven by advancements in transportation, horticulture, and education.
Cheshunt, within the Lea Valley, became a key centre for the emerging glasshouse (greenhouse) industry in the mid-19th century. Its fertile soil, mild climate, and proximity to London markets made it ideal for . The arrival of the Northern and Eastern Railway in 1840 enabled growers to transport fresh produce rapidly to the capital, boosting commercial horticulture.
In 1825, the Cheshunt Railway; an experimental overhead monorail—was opened by local entrepreneur Mr Gibbs. Running from his brickworks near Gews Corner to a wharf on the River Lea, it was designed primarily for hauling bricks but also carried passengers, making it the world's first passenger monorail. The design featured an overhead track with horse-drawn carriages suspended below, with hinged rail sections to accommodate road crossings.
The Northern and Eastern Railway's extension to Cheshunt in 1840 enhanced connectivity with London, spurring suburban development and integrating the town into the capital's economic landscape.
Cheshunt also became renowned for rose cultivation. The nursery firm Paul & Son, established in 1806, gained prominence for breeding notable varieties, including the ‘Cheshunt Hybrid’ rose introduced in the 1870s.
Education expanded with the Dewhurst School, founded in 1640 by Robert Dewhurst, which added new facilities to meet growing demand in the 19th century.
20th century
The 20th century marked Cheshunt's transformation from a rural market town into a key part of London's commuter belt.
Culmanating in today with Cheshunt been identified as one of the more favourable commuter towns for those working in London, based on factors such as property prices, travel time, and local amenities.
Greenhouse Industry
By the early 20th century, Cheshunt was a major hub of greenhouse production, renowned for cultivating salad crops such as cucumbers and tomatoes. In 1931, British Pathé featured Cheshunt's female horticultural workers in an Eve's Film Review segment titled
Glass-House Girls. The footage showcases women harvesting cucumbers in the town's commercial greenhouses, carefully sorting the produce into wicker baskets before loading them onto lorries for distribution.
The widespread use of greenhouses led to the Lea Valley region being dubbed the "Glasshouse Capital of Britain" and "London's Salad Bowl". The wider Lea Valley, including Cheshunt, peaked at of greenhouse cultivation around 1950, the largest in the UK. In 1967, a quarter of the country's glasshouses were in the area.
While small-scale manufacturing and retail expanded, Cheshunt's horticultural tradition declined in the latter half of the 20th century due to cheaper imports, escalating fuel costs, and pressure from housing development. Many nurseries closed or were converted into residential areas. While Cheshunt's greenhouse industry has largely diminished, the wider Lea Valley continues to operate around of glasshouses, producing approximately 75% of the UK's crop.
War Commemoration
In 1923, a war memorial, designed by architect J.W. Hanchett, was erected in Cheshunt to honour local men who died in the First World War and later rededicated to include those from World War II and post-1945 conflicts.
Located with free access from Victoria Close, it was unveiled on 24 February 1923, attended by local clergy and dignitaries. Annual Remembrance Sunday services continue to be held at the site.
On 12 August 1944, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber (serial number 42-95023) of the United States Army Air Forces crashed near Maxwells Farm in Cheshunt, killing all ten crew members aboard. The crew's bravery, particularly pilot Lieutenant Ellis, who diverted the aircraft to avoid the town, is commemorated in the naming of Lieutenant Ellis Way. A memorial plaque was unveiled in 2010 near the crash site at the entrance to St Mary's School, honouring the American crew's sacrifice.
Economic and urban development
In 1929, Jack Cohen opened one of the first
Tesco stores in Cheshunt's High Street, setting in motion the company's expansion into a retail giant. Tesco later relocated its corporate headquarters to the town, remaining there until 2016.
Following the Second World War, Cheshunt experienced rapid urbanisation as part of Greater London's overspill housing strategy. Large council estates were developed in areas like Bury Green and Rosedale to meet the demand for affordable housing. Electrification of rail lines and improved commuter links made the town increasingly attractive to those working in the capital.
Education expanded to meet the needs of the growing population, with the founding of Goffs Academy in 1964, while older institutions like Dewhurst St Mary's Primary School remained active.
21st century
In the 21st century, Cheshunt has undergone heritage conservation and redevelopment initiatives, with further proposals outlined in the Borough of Broxbourne's
Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy 2023–2030.
Cedars Park, situated on the grounds of the former Theobalds House, continues to serve as a public park incorporating historical features from the Tudor estate and hosting local events.
Until 2004, the 17th-century Temple Bar gateway stood in Theobalds Park, having been relocated from London in the late 19th century. It was returned to the City of London and re-erected in Paternoster Square, adjacent to St Paul's Cathedral.
Public realm improvements in recent years have included the planned restoration of Grundy Park. The site, previously used as a leisure complex, has been proposed for redevelopment as a landscaped park with new facilities, subject to ongoing local planning initiatives.
In 2020, the Birch Hotel opened in Cheshunt within Theobalds Park Estate, a Grade II listed Georgian building constructed in 1763 on the former grounds of the demolished Theobalds Palace. The development received press coverage for its interior design and hospitality model aimed at a London clientele. In early 2025, the Theobalds Park Estate was acquired by Surya Hotels, with further developments and improvements announced as part of future plans.
Although Tesco relocated its corporate headquarters from Cheshunt to Welwyn Garden City in 2016, the company had been based in the town since the 1960s, during which it played a significant role in local employment and business development.
Cheshunt continues to function as a commuter settlement, supported by its transport connections, including proximity to the M25 motorway and rail links via Cheshunt railway station.
Geography
Location and topography
Cheshunt is located in the Borough of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, approximately north of
central London.
The town lies within the
Lea Valley, a broad floodplain shaped by the
River Lea, which flows south into the
River Thames. The topography is largely flat with gentle undulations, ranging between 20 and 60 metres above sea level.
The area's geological composition includes Quaternary
Alluvium deposits and Eocene London Clay, contributing to the fertile soils historically suited for market gardening.
Hydrology and natural features
The
River Lea and its network of waterways—including the
Lee Navigation, Small River Lea,
Rags Brook and
Turnford Brook—traverse Cheshunt, shaping the town's hydrological landscape and supporting a vibrant ecosystem. These watercourses form part of the Lee Valley Park, a linear green corridor that includes wetlands, woodlands, and recreational areas.
Turnford Brook, a minor tributary of the River Lea, rises near Wormley and flows southeast beneath the A10 and the New River via an aqueduct at Turnford. It continues through Cheshunt Wash, a low-lying area that also receives flow from Rags Brook, before running under the West Anglia Main Line and eventually joining the Small River Lea in the River Lee Country Park.
Cheshunt Wash, part of the River Lea floodplain, plays a key role in local flood management and supports wetland habitats. The area is subject to flood risk and includes zones designated as 'Danger for Most' under hazard assessments related to nearby development.
The town also contains the Turnford and Cheshunt Pits, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These former gravel pits, now flooded, are valued for their biodiversity, supporting orchids, dragonflies, and over 200 bird species.
The New River, a 17th-century artificial aqueduct built to supply drinking water to London, passes through the town near Brookfield shopping centre, White Fields estate and Bury Green.
At Cheshunt Lock on the Lee Navigation, boaters navigate an operational lock that reflects the town's historic involvement in river trade and transport.
Climate
Cheshunt has a temperate maritime climate, characterised by mild summers and cool winters. Average high temperatures range from 8 °C in January to 23 °C in July, with an annual precipitation of approximately 720 mm.
Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.
+ Average monthly temperatures in Cheshunt (°C)
! Month !! Jan !! Feb !! Mar !! Apr !! May !! Jun !! Jul !! Aug !! Sep !! Oct !! Nov !! Dec |
|
|
|
Demographics
According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, Cheshunt had a total population of 43,770.
Ethnic composition
Cheshunt has seen increasing ethnic diversity over the past decade. The ethnic breakdown of residents in 2021 was as follows:
+ Ethnic composition of Cheshunt (2021)
! Ethnic group !! Population !! Percentage |
79.6% |
6.4% |
4.2% |
4.4% |
5.2% |
This marks a shift from 2011, when over 90% of Cheshunt's population identified as White, and reflects broader demographic trends in Hertfordshire and the East of England.
Religious affiliation
Data from the 2021 census indicates the following religious composition in Cheshunt:
+ Religious affiliation in Cheshunt (2021)
! Religion !! Percentage |
48.3% |
36.4% |
4.1% |
1.0% |
10.2% |
This represents a decline in Christian affiliation compared to previous decades, alongside a notable rise in those identifying with no religion or with non-Christian faiths.
Population growth
Cheshunt's population has grown steadily due to its proximity to London, improved transport infrastructure, and sustained residential development. The 2021 population figure (43,770) reflects a moderate increase from 2011, in line with borough-wide trends.
Governance
There are two tiers of local government covering Cheshunt, at district (borough) and county level: Broxbourne Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council. The borough council is based in Cheshunt, having its offices at the Bishop's College on Churchgate.
Administrative history
Cheshunt was an
ancient parish in the hundred of Hertford.
The parish was subdivided into three townships: Cheshunt Street,
Waltham Cross, and Woodside.
In 1837 the parish was included in the Edmonton Poor Law Union, a group of parishes which collectively administered their responsibilities under the
poor laws.
The parish of Cheshunt was made a local board of health district in 1850, administered by an elected board, which first met in October that year. Such districts were reconstituted as urban districts under the Local Government Act 1894.
The urban district council was initially based at St Mary's Hall on College Road. It later moved to the Manor House at 22 Turners Hill, a substantial 1860s house. Cheshunt Public Library was built in the Manor House grounds in 1907. In 1944, the urban district council was granted its own coat of arms.
Cheshunt Urban District was abolished in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972. The area became part of the new Borough of Broxbourne. No successor parish was created for the former urban district, and so it became unparished area. Shortly before its abolition, the old urban district council bought the former Bishop's College on Churchgate, and that complex was extended to become the headquarters of the new Broxbourne Borough Council. The old urban district council offices at the Manor House were demolished in the late 1980s and replaced with a sheltered housing development, Edwards Court.[Broxbourne Planning Application 7/710/1987: Demolition of former Council Offices and erection of 3-storey building comprising 51 sheltered flats with house manager's apartment, ancillary accommodation and car parking, at Manor House / Glen Luce, Turners Hill, Cheshunt.]
Economy and Industry
As of 2023, the employment rate in the Borough of Broxbourne, which includes Cheshunt, was approximately 79.5% among residents aged 16 to 64.
The area maintains a diverse local economy centred on retail, logistics, light manufacturing, and services. Recent regeneration projects and business park expansions continue to shape employment opportunities in the town.
Retail and corporate presence
Tesco, the British multinational retailer, established its head office on Delamare Road in Cheshunt in 1973. The headquarters remained operational until 2016, when the company relocated to Welwyn Garden City. The Delamare Road site is currently undergoing redevelopment into a new "Cheshunt Lakeside" residential area with new school and shops to serve the area.
In 1983, Tesco opened an out-of-town store named "Brookfield Farm" to the north of Cheshunt. This development later expanded to include a Marks & Spencer store, and the entire estate was rebranded as "The Brookfield Centre". Today, Brookfield Centre hosts additional shopping outlets, restaurants, coffee shops and .
The area is also the focus of the "Brookfield Riverside" and "Brookfield Garden Village" regeneration projects. These developments aim to deliver over 1,250 new homes, a new civic centre, retail and leisure space, transport upgrades and thousands of new jobs.
Business parks and employment
Cheshunt is home to a number of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in business parks and industrial estates such as the New River Trading Estate and the Dacre Industrial Estate. These provide warehouse, distribution and light manufacturing facilities, supporting local employment.
Major local employers include Lamex Food Group, a leading food trading company, and the Medivet Group, which has veterinary and support offices based in the region.
Industrial and logistics developments
Theobalds Business Park in Cheshunt has become a focal point for industrial and technological growth. For example, the MAX50 project by Pigeon comprises an 86,316 sq ft industrial warehouse and office space. This facility has been pre-let to Stephen James Group, an authorised BMW and MINI automotive retailer, and is designed to high sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. The project is expected to generate over £4 million in social impact through job creation and environmental initiatives.
Adjacent to MAX50, Google is constructing its first UK data centre on a 33-acre site within Theobalds Business Park. This $1 billion investment aims to support the growing demand for AI and cloud services, providing essential compute capacity to businesses across the UK. The facility is committed to sustainability, aiming for 90% carbon-free operations by 2025, and includes provisions for off-site heat recovery to benefit the local community.
Theobalds Business Park also hosts the Theobalds Enterprise Centre, a £10 million facility designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups. Opened in November 2023, the centre offers flexible office spaces, meeting rooms, and a range of business support services. It has achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating for sustainability and a Platinum WiredScore for digital connectivity.
Hospitality
The Delta Hotels by Marriott Cheshunt provides accommodation and event facilities. The hotel also provides employment opportunities locally. In 2022, the property underwent refurbishment and was rebranded under Marriott's Delta Hotels brand, following a multi-million-pound investment by Focus Hotels Management.
Automotive engineering
In 1959,
Colin Chapman relocated
Lotus Cars and
Team Lotus from
Hornsey to a purpose-built facility on Delamare Road, Cheshunt. During their tenure in Cheshunt,
Lotus Cars achieved significant success in motorsport, securing two Formula One Constructors' Championships in 1963 and 1965. The company moved its operations to
Hethel, Norfolk, in 1966.
Horticulture and glasshouse industry
Until the late 1960s, Cheshunt was renowned for its nursery industry, particularly for innovations in glasshouse cultivation. Thomas Rochford's enterprise was notably prominent, with extensive glasshouse operations. Although most of these facilities have been redeveloped into residential areas, such as those named Rosedale and Thomas Rochford Way, a small segment of the nursery trade persists west of the town.
Transportation and trade
The
Lee Navigation, running east of Cheshunt, historically served as a vital transport route for flowers and crops destined for London markets. A wharf was situated just east of the railway, on the current site of the Herts Young Mariners base. The advent of road transport eventually supplanted river-based trade.
Agricultural research
The Cheshunt Research Station developed "Cheshunt Compound," a fungicide comprising copper sulfate and ammonium carbonate, widely used to combat damping-off disease in seedlings. However, the compound was withdrawn from sale in the UK in November 2010 and is no longer legally permitted for use.
Education
Cheshunt is served by a variety of educational institutions, including state-funded primary and secondary schools, as well as faith-based academies. While there are no higher education institutions within the town itself, further and tertiary education is available nearby through regional colleges and university partnerships.
Primary schools
Cheshunt is served by eleven primary schools, including:
-
Bonneygrove Primary School, Dark Lane
-
Brookland Infant and Junior Schools, Elm Drive
-
Burleigh Primary School, Blindman’s Lane
-
Churchfield CE Academy, Cheshunt Wash
-
Dewhurst St Mary CE Primary School, Churchgate – founded in 1640, it is one of the oldest Church of England schools in the Diocese of St Albans
[ Dewhurst St Mary CE Primary School – History]
-
Downfield Primary School, Downfield Road
-
Fairfields Primary School and Nursery, Rosedale Way
-
Flamstead End School, Longfield Lane
-
Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Longlands Close
-
Millbrook Primary School, Gews Corner
-
St Paul's Catholic Primary School, Park Lane – a voluntary aided Roman Catholic school
[ St Paul’s Catholic Primary School – UK Government GIAS Register]
-
Andrews Lane Primary School, Andrews Lane
Secondary schools
There are four secondary schools in Cheshunt:
-
Goffs Academy, Goffs Lane.
-
Goffs-Churchgate Academy
/ref>).
-
Haileybury Turnford, Mill Lane – formerly Turnford School, it became an academy in 2015 and is sponsored by Haileybury and Imperial Service College.
-
St Mary's Church of England High School
/ref>
Tertiary education
Cheshunt does not have a university or dedicated higher education institution within the town itself. However, residents have access to tertiary education through nearby providers.
Hertford Regional College, located in neighbouring Turnford, offers a range of further and higher education programmes. These include apprenticeships, vocational training, and university-level courses validated by institutions such as the University of Hertfordshire and the University of Greenwich.
Capel Manor College, in nearby Enfield, provides land-based and environmental education, including higher education courses in partnership with the Royal Agricultural University.
The University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, approximately 15 miles from Cheshunt, offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and works in partnership with Hertford Regional College through the Hertfordshire Higher Education Consortium.
Transport
Rail
Cheshunt railway station is served by both
Greater Anglia and London Overground services. The station lies on the West Anglia Main Line and the Lea Valley lines, and has regular services to London Liverpool Street via
Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters, as well as northbound services to
Hertford East, Bishop's Stortford, and
Cambridge. The station is located in Travelcard Zone 8, facilitating convenient travel within the Greater London area.
In 2024, the London Overground line serving Cheshunt was officially renamed the Weaver line as part of a network-wide rebranding initiative.
Cheshunt is also proposed to be a stop on the future Crossrail 2 route, a planned north-east to south-west London railway. The project includes upgraded services and accessibility improvements at the station.
Road
Cheshunt is strategically positioned along the A10, also known locally as the Great Cambridge Road, which connects the town to Junction 25 of the M25 motorway, Central London,
Hertford, and
Cambridge. The A10 serves as a north-south corridor through Hertfordshire, facilitating efficient road access for commuters and travelers.
Bus
Cheshunt is served by a variety of commercial and Hertfordshire County Council-supported bus services. Routes connect the town to
Waltham Cross,
Hoddesdon,
Broxbourne,
Hertford,
Harlow,
Potters Bar, and
Waltham Abbey. Operators include Arriva Shires & Essex,
Centrebus,
Metroline,
Sullivan Buses, and Vectare.
Cycling
National Cycle Route 1 passes through Cheshunt, forming part of a larger network from
Dover to the
Shetland Islands. The
Lea Valley provides scenic and practical cycling and walking routes along the
River Lea, linking Cheshunt with Ware,
Hoddesdon,
Waltham Abbey,
Tottenham, and Stratford.
As part of the Connect2 project funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Paul Cully Bridge was constructed in 2010 to provide a safe cycle and pedestrian route over the A10. This bridge links Theobalds Lane with Lieutenant Ellis Way and expands the cycling infrastructure in the area.
Sport
Football
Cheshunt is home to Cheshunt F.C., a semi-professional football club founded in 1946. The team competes in the Isthmian League Premier Division and plays at Theobalds Lane Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 3,500 spectators.
The former professional footballer
Iain Dowie played for the club during the 1980s.
F.C. Romania, established in 2006 by Romanian immigrants, also shares Theobalds Lane Stadium. The club competes in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division and has been part of the Cheshunt football scene since 2012.
Historically, Tottenham Hotspur F.C. used a training ground in Cheshunt from 1952 until 1996. The 11-acre site was initially purchased from Cheshunt F.C. and served as the club's primary training facility before relocating to Chigwell.
Rugby Union
Cheshunt Rugby Football Club operates from Rosedale Sports Club on Andrew Lane. The club fields multiple teams, including men's, women's, and youth squads. The men's first team competes in Counties 1 Herts/Middlesex, while the women's team participates in National Challenge 2 South East (North East).
Cricket
Cheshunt Rosedale Cricket Club was formed in 2018 through the merger of Cheshunt Cricket Club and Waltham Cross Rosedale CC. The club has facilities at Rosedale Sports Club.
Golf
Cheshunt Park Golf Centre features an 18-hole, par-71 parkland course designed by Donald Hawtree in 1971. Spanning 6,635 yards, the course includes a 9-bay driving range, putting green, and chipping area. The facility is open to both members and visitors and has a clubhouse with a bar and restaurant.
Water sports
The Herts Young Mariners Base (HYMB) is an outdoor activity centre located off Windmill Lane in Cheshunt, within the Lee Valley Park. The site offers a range of water-based and adventure activities, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, open water swimming, sailing, and raft building. In addition to aquatic training, the base also provides land-based programmes such as climbing, archery, and orienteering.
The base is operated by Hertfordshire County Council and is used by local schools, scouts, youth organisations, and adult groups for educational and team-building programmes. The facility includes a lakeside wharf, equipment stores, changing rooms, and classrooms, and occupies the site of a former open-air swimming pool.
Leisure facilities
The Laura Trott Leisure Centre, named after the Olympic gold medallist, has a gym, swimming pool, exercise classes, sauna, and steam rooms. The centre also provides facilities for racket sports and hosts a number of community events.
Cheshunt Community Sports Park serves as a hub for local sports and recreation. The facility includes a gym, personal training services, sports therapy, football pitches, indoor and outdoor bowls courts, squash courts, and function rooms.
Media
Cheshunt falls within the
BBC London and
ITV London television regions. Broadcast television signals in the area are transmitted from the Crystal Palace transmitting station, which provides digital terrestrial (Freeview) coverage.
Local radio services include BBC Three Counties Radio, which covers Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, and Heart Hertfordshire, a commercial station offering music and local news programming.
The town is served by the Cheshunt & Waltham Mercury, a weekly print and digital newspaper published by the Hertfordshire Mercury
/ref>
Notable people
16th century
-
Queen Elizabeth I – Stayed in Cheshunt during her youth.
-
Cardinal Wolsey – Granted land in Cheshunt by King Henry VIII; the remains of his manor, Cheshunt Great House, are located at Goffs Lane.
17th century
-
Richard Cromwell – From the 1690s until his death in 1712, Richard Cromwell lived in Cheshunt, where he died.
-
King James I – Died at Theobalds Palace in Cheshunt in 1625.
20th century
-
Victoria Beckham – Singer and fashion designer; attended St Mary's High School in Cheshunt during the 1980s.
-
David Bentley – Footballer with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur; grew up in Cheshunt during the 1990s.
-
Phillip Cottrell – BBC journalist who grew up in Cheshunt and attended Cheshunt School.
-
Eric Christiansen (1937–2016) – A medieval historian and fellow emeritus of New College, Oxford. Born in Cheshunt.
-
John Dalton – Bass guitarist for The Kinks; attended Cheshunt Secondary Modern School.
-
Michael Dobbs – Writer and politician; known for the "House of Cards" series.
-
Greg Lincoln – Former professional footballer and current coach; born in Cheshunt in 1980.
-
Lieutenant John D.Ellis – On 12 August 1944, he diverted a B-24 Liberator bomber to avoid the town, he was commemorated in the naming of Lieutenant Ellis Way.
-
Ralph Creed Meredith – Chaplain to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. Lead the Parish of Cheshunt in 1932
-
Linda Lusardi – Former glamour model and actress; longtime Cheshunt resident.
-
Andy Parker – Drummer and founding member of the rock band UFO; born in Cheshunt in 1952.
-
Cliff Richard – Singer, musician, and actor; lived in Cheshunt in the 1940s/50s.
21st century
-
Zai Bennett – Television executive; attended Goffs School in Cheshunt.
-
Michael Birch – Tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Bebo.
-
Ryan Mason – Footballer and interim Tottenham Hotspur manager; attended Cheshunt School.
-
Declan McKenna – Indie rock musician who rose to fame in the 2010s.
-
Rebecca Morelle – BBC Science Editor; attended Goffs School in Cheshunt.
-
Billy Joe Saunders – Professional boxer, active from the 2010s.
-
Emma Trott – Retired professional cyclist; born in Cheshunt in 1989. She rode for the Dutch women's professional team Dolmans-Boels from the 2012 to the 2014 season.
-
Laura Kenny (now Laura Kenny) – Six-time Olympic medal-winning cyclist (2012–2020); grew up in Cheshunt.
-
Emma Witter – Artist known for sculpting delicate floral forms from discarded materials, especially animal bones.
Town twinning
Cheshunt is twinned with Stains in the Île-de-France region of northern France, just north of Paris. The partnership was established to foster cultural understanding and community links between the two towns. Over the years, the twinning has supported student exchanges, civic visits, and joint cultural projects.
See also
-
Burnt Farm Cottage – a notable listed building in Cheshunt
-
Lee Valley Park – regional park bordering the town
-
Cheshunt Lock – part of the River Lea Navigation
-
New River – early 17th-century aqueduct passing through Cheshunt
-
Theobalds Palace – historic royal palace once located in Cheshunt
-
Laura Kenny – Olympic cyclist from Cheshunt
-
Cheshunt railway station
-
Broxbourne Borough Council
External links