Therfield
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Therfield | |
  Therfield shown within Hertfordshire |
|
| Population | 539 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| District | North Hertfordshire |
| Shire county | Hertfordshire |
| Region | East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ROYSTON |
| Postcode district | SG8 |
| Dialling code | 01763 |
| Police | Hertfordshire |
| Fire | Hertfordshire |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| European Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament | North East Hertfordshire |
| List of places: UK • England • Hertfordshire | |
Therfield is both a small village of approximately 4,761 acres (19 km²) and a parish (originally in Odsey Hundred and Royston Union) which sits upon the chalk range, three miles southwest of Royston, and six miles (10 km) northeast of Baldock) and within the English county of Hertfordshire.
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[edit] Brief history
[edit] Ancient history
The name Therfield is a variation of Tharfield and anciently Þurreweld. It is a theophoric placename referring to Thor, and either means 'Thor's Field' or 'Thor's High place", from the same Germanic root that gives 'veldt'. It was inhabited for a greater length of time than the Saxons, since the Icknield Way runs through the village, and Neolithic barrows have been found on Therfield Heath.
[edit] Today
Today Therfield is known as a very small village that is locally famous for its church, chapel and pub. The Nature Reserve of Therfield Heath lies a mile to the north of the village. From here on a clear day it is possible to see the Cathedral of Ely, over twenty miles to the north. the village is well worth a visit with lovely rural countryside friendly people and plenty of good walks.
[edit] Church of St. Mary the Virgin
In Therfield the Church of St Mary the Virgin has stood the test of time. The most recent version was completed in 1878 and it replaced the church that had existed since the 13th Century which fell into such disrepair that it was in danger of collapsing. When it was replaced, the windows, pulpit and font were removed from the old church and built into the new structure. The tower contains 6 bells dating from 1597, 1608, 1626, 1656, 1689 with the most recent from 1707. For years these bells were not used and worship services were marked by the ringing of a bell dated 1862 that hung from a tree in a nearby field. The church register dates from the year 1538.
[edit] Therfield Chapel
Therfield Chapel was established as a congregation of Protestant dissenters (the "Independents") in 1836. The current Chapel was built subsequently, in 1854, and the Church eventually became known as Therfield Congregational Church, being affiliated to the Congregational Union who acted as trustees for the Church property. When in 1966 the Congregational Union was replaced by a body which espoused more liberal views, the Chapel seceded and became affiliated first to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), and then to the Evangelical Fellowship of Congreagational Churches (EFCC). In 1965, Allon Taffs was ordained as Pastor, after serving the church as Secretary/informal leader for some 10 years before. He remained until May 1993. After a period of interregnum, during which time the church was cared for and led by the elders and deacons, the Rev Mark Kingston was appointed as Pastor in August 1997. He served the church until he resigned in July 2002. Andrew Carter was appointed as Pastor in February 2006.
[edit] Home of the Haggers
In recent years, genealogists, primarily led by Martin Hagger, have discovered that the area of Therfield was home to various Hagger or Haggar (also Haga, Hagar, Hager, Haggarjudd, Haggaer, Haggers, Haggerwood, Haggor) families who eventually migrated all over England and much of the world.[citation needed] This research has resulted in annual meetings of the Hagg*r One Name Study Project led by Peter Hagger which is attempting to trace this worldwide family history, beginning with its roots in Therfield. The open meetings usually take place at The Fox & Duck public house.
