The Civil parish and village of Henlow is in the Central Bedfordshire district of the Bedfordshire county in England near Biggleswade. It is mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book as Haneslau(ue)/Hanslau(e). There are several schools of thoughts on the origin of the name of the village. One possibility is that it is derived from Old English “Henna hlaw” which means “hill of birds.” It could also have come from Hlow which indicates a burial place.
RAF, a Royal Air Force base or station is located close by but is closer to Stondon. The village served as a residential district for RAF servicemen and their family so much so that a Henlow Camp has developed around the base.
Food, Shopping and Accommodation in Henlow
Four of the nine pubs and restaurants in Helow are found along the High Street; The Engineers Arms, The Crown Pub, The Five Bells, and The Deli, three are along Hitchin Road, one in Bedford Road and one in Langford Road. Some independent shops are also clustered either along High Street or Hitchin Road. These shops serve the needs of the locals. With regards visitor accommodation, this village has one hotel, three B&Bs/inns, a camping site and a converted farm accommodation.
Things to See and Do
There are a few beautiful historic structures in the village, one of which is the Henlow Grange which is currently a health farm which is part of the Champneys group. The Grange which is located near the River Ivel was formerly owned by Llanthony Priory until it was surrendered to the Crown after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The Signals Museum is a “must visit” while in this village. It is the best place to discover the history of the Royal Corps of Signals and its forerunner, The Royal Engineers.