Great Amwell

Great Amwell is a village and civil parish in East Hertfordshire, located about 1.5 miles southeast of Ware and roughly 20 miles north of London. As of the 2011 Census, the population was 2,353. The village is known for its scenic setting, historical features, and strong sense of community.

The name “Great Amwell” is believed to come from “Emma’s Well,” a spring near the village that was one of the sources of the New River—an artificial waterway built in the early 1600s to supply London with fresh water. This connection to the New River remains a key part of the village’s historical identity.

There is evidence of ancient settlement in the area, including traces of an Iron Age hill fort and a large tumulus at Barrowfield. The parish church of St John the Baptist, which dates from the 11th century, is a Grade II* listed building and features a Norman chancel arch and a 15th-century tower.

Just outside the village lies the Amwell Nature Reserve, a former gravel pit now managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. It’s recognised internationally for its wintering wildfowl and is considered one of Britain’s best sites for dragonflies. The reserve also supports rare plants and a wide variety of wildlife.

Great Amwell has been home to a number of notable figures, including Izaak Walton, author of The Compleat Angler, and Quaker poet John Scott of Amwell. Richard Warren, a Mayflower passenger and ancestor of two U.S. presidents, married a woman from the village in 1610.

Today, Great Amwell is a peaceful and attractive village with a traditional pub, walking routes along the River Lee and New River, and a strong local community. It combines natural beauty, historical depth, and a relaxed atmosphere in a well-connected location.

Created: 4  May  2025  Edited: 4  May  2025