Brocket Hall

Brocket Hall

We lucky that the magnificent building, Brocket Hall with its park is in our Parish. We have formed a good relationship and regularly get invited to the world famous Brocket Babies reunion.

Early evidence suggests the house dates back to 1239 and was called ‘Watershyppes’.The area had several manors,Symonshyde, Benstead, Heron, and Chewells around the time of Henry III (1207 to 1272 ) these mannors merge and become ‘Watershyppes’and was owned by Simon Fitz Ade. They were also known as FitzSymon. In the 15th century a FitzSymonds heiress married Sir Thomas Brocket . Read full article

Check our Gallery and Brocket Halls own website

We are a small friendly group with a core membership of 15. The cost of a yearly membership is £10 which entitles you to attend all events and reduced entry rates on the quiz and our annual treasure hunt. Being a member will provide you with the opportunity to research any local historical interest you have in the Parish of Lemsford allowing access to archives and many years’ experience from fellow members

LLHG 2001 to Present Day


At Our first meeting in 2001 we elected Revd. Ron Ingamells as Chairman its aim was to study all aspects of the history and the people of this area - both ancient and modern. On passed on the chair to local man Jeremy Summers a retired film director who lived in Cromer Hyde. In 2007 Joan Baraclough a long time member carried on the good work the previous chairman’s had built up with a comprehensive archive collected and collated by late Stan Borrie. Stan’s son Richard built a website for the group. When Joan stepped down in 2011 long term member and local man Andy Chapman became chairman, He continued on the same guidelines, developing the website and overseeing various publications, the regular meetings and the odd trip out. I was during this period we started the annual quiz with Welwyn District History Group which continues to the Day. In 2017 Pete Davis became our 5th Chairman and has continued with the quiz, village fete and regular meetings up to the present time

  • Revd. Ron Ingamells 2001 - 2002
  • Jeremy Summers 2002 - 2007
  • Joan Baraclough 2007 - 2011
  • Andy Chapman 2011 - 2017
  • Pete Davis 2017 - 2018
  • Andy Chapman 2018 - Present Day