Area Guide: The historic Apsley area of Hemel Hempstead

History 

The name 'Apsley' dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period, and means 'aspen wood'.

In 1778, the historic Apsley Mill began making paper, and was bought in 1809 by industry giant John Dickinson.

Dickinson's paper mills, which were based along the Grand Union Canal, dominated local industry until they closed in 1999.

The peak of production was during the Second World War, however the site was not ideal for large scale papermaking in the 20th century - and it later became a warehouse and distribution centre for products made elsewhere.

Due to the canal, Apsley was ideally situated for the trade route between London and the Midlands. 

The canal is now a popular area for walkers and cyclists who are travelling between Kings Langley and Hemel Hempstead.

(Image: Jane Howdle)

Some of the former industrial buildings have been replaced with housing, while others now operate as pubs, cafés and other amenities.

The former village of Apsley is also home to St Mary's Church, a Grade II listed building which was first consecrated in 1871.

Another historic building in the area is Shendish Manor. A manor was originally built on the site in 1300, by the family of Ralf de Chenduit.

After changing hands many times, the house came into the ownership of Charles Longman, who commissioned Shendish to be rebuilt in 1853.

Shendish Manor was used during WWI as a British Army camp, then a sports and social club in 1936.

Since 1994 the manor has been used as a hotel and conference centre.

(Image: Danny Loo)

Transport  

Apsley has excellent road links - with the M1, M25 and A41 all nearby. There are also fast trains which go from Apsley to London Euston in half an hour.

Property  

The majority of housing stock in Apsley is made up of flats and terraced houses, many of which have views of the water.

There are currently no houses for sale in Apsley on Rightmove.

The area has seen a large influx of London commuters due to rapid building around the canal area since 2011.

(Image: Danny Loo)

Schools  

There are several excellent schools in Apsley, including Two Waters Primary School in High Ridge Close, which received an 'outstanding' rating at its latest Ofsted inspection.

Nearby secondary schools include The Hemel Hempstead School, Kings Langley School and Longdean School, all of which are rated 'good'.

Independent schools in the area include Abbot's Hill - which is for girls aged four to 16 - and boys' prep school Lockers Park.

Sport and leisure  

Fishing is allowed along the canal for those with a rod licence. Canoeing is also permitted, and you can tee off at the tranquil Victorian Shendish Manor golf course.

The Frogmore Paper Mill museum on Fourdriner Way is currently closed, after the visitor centre was badly damaged by a fire in January 2022. The museum is expected to reopen later this year.

The site is the world's oldest mechanised paper mill, and was in operation from the 1700s before more recently doubling as a not-for-profit attraction.

Apsley Mills Retail Park on London Road has a mix of useful stores including The Range, Wren Kitchens, Carpetright and Argos.

Food and drink  

There are plenty of food and drink options in Apsley, with a range of dining options available on the marina.

These include Indian restaurant Marina Spice Lounge - considered one of the best restaurants in the wider Hemel area - and Calzone Essential pizzeria - both of which are on Dickinson Quay. 

(Image: Karyn Haddon)

The Paper Mill pub also serves classic pub fare and refreshing beer at a relaxing terraced canal-side spot on Stationers Place. 

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, who have offices in St Albans, Harpenden, Wheathampstead and Marshalswick (Image: Frost's)