Arlesey

The area was occupied by native Britons and Romans.
The Danes went as far as Bedford and wintered here, sailing up river from the coast. This settlement at Etonbury would have been accessible from the River Hiz.

In 1065, Harold, Earl of Anglia held part of Aelesey, but gave it to Waltham Abbey. In 1066 Arlesey had the only market in the area and in 1270 a grant was made for a fair to be held on St Peter and St Paul’s Day in June.

The church was built in 1180 by monks from Waltham Abbey.
It has many features including two leper squints, an Easter Sepulchre and the Bury Pew, the family pew of the Lord of the Manor with carved dolphins around the top.

In 1850, the Wesleyan chapel was built, followed in 1875 by the Primitive Methodist.