Markyate: The Ver Valley, history and the Hertfordshire Way

Markyate lies in the Ver Valley and along a historic transport route. The history of Cell Park and a section of the Hertfordshire Way are also among the town’s distinguishing features. When choosing a destination, the landscape, route and historic buildings can each offer very different ways to shape your stay.

Location and landscape

Markyate lies on the A5, the old Roman road, north of Junction 9 of the M1. Its location can therefore be understood in relation to this road and its position relative to the junction. Markyate also lies in the Ver Valley. This landscape description conveys a different aspect of the destination from its position on the road: it places the town in a valley without implying a particular route or access to individual sites.

Markyatecell Park covers about 35 hectares and lies on the northern edge of the town. Markyate Cell is listed as a Grade II registered park and garden. Its size, location on the edge of town and listing provide specific points of reference when exploring the area around Markyate.

The Hertfordshire Way and the stage to Markyate

The fifth section of the Hertfordshire Way runs between St Albans and Markyate for 11 miles and includes the 1.8-mile “St Albans loop”. The loop is therefore part of the longer stage, not an additional distance on top of the 11 miles. The section ends on Markyate High Street, making the town the route’s stage destination. If you’re planning the walk, check the route details before setting off.

Cell Park: from priory to landscaped grounds

Cell Park stands on the site of the church of a dissolved Benedictine nunnery. The priory was founded in 1145 by Abbot Geoffrey of St. Albans together with Christina of Markyate; Christina was its first prioress. This early connection forms a layer of the town’s history that is distinct from the later building phases.

The eastern part of Cell Park House was built in 1539–1540 for Humphrey Bourchier. The rest of Cell Park was substantially remodelled in 1825–1826 by Robert Lugar for Daniel Goodson Adey. The two dates refer to different parts and building contexts: a section of the house in the 16th century and the remodelling of the rest of the park in the 19th century.

Buildings and the High Street

The Church of St. John the Baptist in Markyate is listed as a Grade II* building. The Old Brewers Yard is Grade II listed. The building was constructed around 1820 as the brewery premises of the former Golden Lion Brewery and is now a private house. The different designations are also useful when finding your way around the historic townscape: here, a church stands alongside a former brewery building that is now privately occupied.

A Coronation Clock dating from 1911 stands at the south-east corner of houses 48, 48A, 48B and 48C High Street. Together with the Hertfordshire Way stage’s endpoint on the High Street, this provides a specific point of reference on the town’s main street. The High Street is also home to a well-known local bakery; the bakery business was established in 1928. Markyate’s history therefore includes not only older buildings but also a long-established local business address.

Discover more destinations: Benington, Sawbridgeworth, Hoddesdon, Borehamwood, Boxmoor, Royston, Watford, Hertingfordbury

For the main travel overview: Hertfordshire.