Bygone Benington
Bygone Benington aims to record, preserve and publicise the history of Benington village in East Hertfordshire. Also, provide resources for those looking to conduct their own research into the village or contribute stories, photographs or memories for inclusion.
The George and Dragon, Bennington circa 1910, with a crowd of children in their Sunday best on the Green. William Snoxall is listed as a beer retailer in the 1912 Kelly’s Directory for Hertfordshire. The horse and cart was delivering bread from Walkern. The card was published by C. Kitchener, Post Office, Bennington (located in what is now School Cottages).
The spelling of the village name was changed from Bennington to Benington in 1923 to avoid confusion with Bennington in Lincolnshire.
Gallery of Historic Benington
A growing portfolio of pages showing Bygone Benington through pictures
Dragons Green and Shenley Farm
Formerly The George and Dragon pub. After that it was “Shenley Farm” and is now known as Dragon’s Green.
Old School Green
Great Pastures, Haldons, Bunyan Cottage and the Old School House.
School Cottages
This row of cottages were built before the school as workers cottages for staff at Benington Rectory.
Benington Rectory
Now known as Peterscourt and Benington Bury, the Rectory (or Parsonage) was built in 1637 by Rev Nathaniel Dod who was rector of Benington for 46 years.
The School
The National School opened its doors to pupils in January 1873. Previously there had been voluntary schools in the village which operated privately or on a fee paying basis.
Parish Hall
The original Parish Hall opened on 25th November 1902. On 16th January 1963 the Hall was severely damaged by fire and had to be rebuilt.
Robinsons Cottage
Fred Robinson and then his brother Ted ran their tailors business from the cottage that now bears their name.
The Pond and Benington Cottage
The Pond and Benington Cottage is probably the most photographed views in Benington.
Duck Lane
Duck Lane starts from the Pond and leads up to what was previously an orchard at the northern end.
The Green
The heart of the village and site of Benington Fair.
Benington Lordship
Benington Lordship is built on the site of a Norman motte and bailey castle.
Church Exterior
A church has probably stood on this site since Boertwulf’s time.
Church Interior
The Church contains two pairs of effigies of the de Benstede family who were lords of the manor between 1304 and 1486 .
Churchyard Memorials
The village War Memorial commemorates those who died in the world wars. Also memorials of the Rectors and Benington worthies
Church Hill
The road from Aston enters Benington up Church Hill, with the Church on the left and a row of old cottages on the right.
Priests House and Church Green
Church Green features a row of cottages with the left had one still with timber frame visible known as the “Priests House”.
Pound Cottage and Saddlery
The Pound was originally the field to the right of Duck Lane where any stray animals could be left and the name was hence associated with the adjacent cottage.
Old Joiners
Old Joiners and adjacent Orchard House.
Butchers and Bell Cottage
The butchers shop was run by Charlie Harris until 1953 after which it was converted to a house is now known as Bell Cottage.
The Croft
The Croft was for some time a bakery. Around 1906, it was bought by Alethe Pickering as a domestic property and extended.
The Bell
Originally a late medieval hall house, the Bell has been an inn from at least 1693. The fireplace in the bar features a rare wall painting of a hunting scene dated as circa 1720.
Town Lane and Three Stiles
Town Lane and Three Stiles.
Stoopers Hill
Stoopers Hill is the continuation of Town Lane from the bus stop at the bottom of the hill to the old shop at the top
The White Horse
The White Horse was situated at the top of Stoopers Hill. Mr and Mrs Collis were the landlord and lady in 1945.
The Forge
The Forge (or Smithy)
Finches Farm
Finches or Garratts Farm.
The Red Lion and Park Cottages
Originally “Park Cottage” and the row of cottages “Park Cottages” were built for staff of Benington Park.
Benington Old House
Possibly built as the the lodge house or a dower house for Benington Park.
Benington Park
Benington Park (also known as Benington Place) was originally a medieval hunting park and the current house is built near the site of the original hunting lodge.