Rickmansworth

The town has a population of around 15,000 people and lies on the Grand Union Canal and the River Colne, at the northern end of the Colne Valley Park.

It began to grow in the 1920s and 1930s, and is on the Metropolitan line of the London Underground. As such, it is largely a commuter town. It is contained within the M25.

Colloquially Rickmansworth is often shortened to "Ricky" as used in the town's annual "Ricky Week" celebrations.

1 Etymology
2 In literature
3 Sport
4 Aquadrome
5 Schools
6 Nightlife
7 Supermarkets
8 References
9 External links

[edit] Etymology

The name Rickmansworth comes from the Saxon name "Ryckmer", the local magnate, and "worth" meaning farm or stockade. In the Domesday Book of 1086 it is known as The Manor of Prichemaresworde. Later spellings are Rykemarwurthe (1119-46), Richemaresworthe (1180), Rykemerewrthe (1248), Richemereworthe (1259), Rikesmareswrth (1287) and Rikmansworth (1382).

[edit] In literature

One notable claim to fame is its inclusion on the opening page of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Rickmansworth and some of its surrounding communities are also featured in the works of John Le Carre. Victorian novelist George Eliot, real name Mary Ann Evans, had a summer residence in the lower High Street named "The Elms", which now forms part of St Joan of Arc School.

[edit] Sport

The town has a public golf course called Rickmansworth Golf Club which is adjacent to the two courses that make up the private Moor Park Golf Club. Rickmansworth Cricket Club was founded in 1787 and is one of the oldest recorded clubs in England. Rickmansworth Cricket Club currently run 3 sides on a Saturday in the Saracens Hertfordshire cricket league. There are also several tennis courts around and the William Penn leisure centre. Chess Valley Rugby Club use the same site as the Cricket Club.

[edit] Aquadrome

Rickmansworth contains a large public park called the Aquadrome. This includes several large lakes, grass and woodland areas and a children's play area. The lakes are suitable for canoeing, sailing and fishing.

[edit] Schools

Rickmansworth has three secondary schools, St Joan of Arc Roman Catholic school, Rickmansworth School and the Royal Masonic School for girls. There is also Rickmansworth Park JMI, Rickmansworth PNEU and St John's Roman Catholic School which are the local primary schools.

[edit] Nightlife

There are a few pubs in the high street which attract a wide variety of people on Friday and Saturday nights.

[edit] Supermarkets

In the high street itself, there is an Iceland store. The train station carpark is currently being developed into a Waitrose. There is a Tesco on the outskirts of Rickmansworth, on the way to Harefield. There is also a Marks and Spencers on the High Street.