The war memorial in Churchyard at the entrance to St Mary's church was built in 1922. From here the spike on the bell tower is clearly visible. David Everest, local historian, says their popularity in Hertfordshire reflects the county's lack of suitable building stones, apart from flints. Builders used them set in concrete to construct church towers, but they were not strong enough to support the weight of a spire as well as the bells.
Author: B Hunt