12 things you only know if you’re from Cheshunt

There is no denying Cheshunt is full of great history, good schools and is at the heart of Broxbourne.

Those who grew up in the area know how much it has changed over the years – with the schools getting better and more people wanting to come and live in the area.

There are also a number of exciting projects which are set to transform the town including the new ‘town centre’ development near Brookfield.

From being home to some of the world’s most famous people to the little reminders of history like the Second World War, the list of why the area is so great is endless.

Growing up in the area has its perks, but also has its down moments.

Like people mispronouncing Cheshunt and the A10 clogging up the town centre.

If you are from Cheshunt, here are 12 things that you will be able to relate to:

1. It is Cheshunt – not Chessant or Cheesehunt or whatever else you call it

Starting off with the most important one on the list and it is something which bugs most people from Cheshunt.

Whenever you meet new people and they ask you where you’re from, the people of Cheshunt always feel apprehensive about answering.

It is usually always met with that person pronouncing it wrong.

In the past, I have heard ‘Cheesant’, ‘Cheesehunt’ and the list goes on – it is a real pain.

To set the record straight, it should sound like ‘Chez-unt’.

2. Just how bad the former Cheshunt School uniform was

Most areas in the mornings or after school time are a sea of colour of the local school’s uniform.

Even though most uniforms will never be seen at a fashion show, those from Cheshunt may have definitely pulled the short straw.

The shocking green blazers and red, white and green kilts that would be impossible to miss.

Cheshunt was just one of the schools in the area, but has always been known for having green and red as the school’s colour.

It even goes back to the 70s, maybe even longer.

It has since changed and so has the school’s name – it is now known as Goffs Churchgate Academy.

3. The famous people from the area

One thing that Cheshunt people can do is name drop.

When people say ‘Cheshunt?’ you can quite easily respond saying ‘Yeah, Victoria Beckham and Cliff Richard are from there’.

There are also a number of other famous people from the area like Olympian Laura Trott, footballer Ryan Mason and even international boxing champion Billy-Joe Saunders.

The area is very proud of all the celebs that once called Cheshunt home.

4. The reality of living next to the A10

Moving to the negative side of Cheshunt and that is the A10.

The road can sometimes cause major problems on the roads of the surrounding areas, Cheshunt being at the top of that list.

The A10 can cause absolute carnage on the roads and turn 5 minute journeys into 30 minute journeys.

The road leads straight through Hertfordshire and into Enfield.

It is also the road off J25 of the M25 so congestion can also build up from that.

5. The World War II bunker

Lee Valley boasts beautiful views, walks and is on the doorstep of everyone from Cheshunt.

One thing that some people don’t know is the Second World War bunker that is in the park.

The bunker is next to the train line and is only a short walk away from Cheshunt Train Station.

Here is how to get there:

Starting at Cheshunt Station, if you walk over the tracks (over the stairs or when it is safe to) and take the first right (just after the two houses).

Then you follow the path down until you see the Giant’s Chair.

Walking past the Giant’s Chair, you continue until you get to your first right which you take.

You then follow the path all the way down and follow it round to the left.

You go over the small bridge walk down half the path and the bunker will be on your left.

6. The gold post boxes

Post boxes are everywhere around the country, but in Cheshunt, there are two which are painted gold.

This is because Olympian Laura Kenny is from the area.

There is one on the High Street just outside Simmons and there is another on Elm Drive.

Royal Mail painted the post boxes in 2012 after Laura won gold in the Olympic team pursuit contest.

7. The old stomping ground for Cheshunt School

The younger generation or those who have recently moved to the area would only think of Cheshunt School on College Road.

But there is plenty more history behind the school than that.

The old Cheshunt School used to be in Windmill Lane and was knocked down in the 1990s.

The school was moved to the site on College Road in 1992.

It was previously called Bishopslea School.

Windmill Lane is now full of houses.

8. The fountain

The fountain in the Old Pond (town centre) is iconic.

For those who don’t know, it is right in the middle of the roundabout on one of the main roads in the area.

At times it can be beautiful, but there are also times when it has been used at people’s expense.

There have been a number of occasions where someone has put washing up liquid or soap in the fountain and it has turned into a fountain of bubbles.

It really was a sight to see, but it is loved by residents.

There were plans by the council to move the fountain and it was met with 2,400 objecting against the plans.

9. The town’s ties to Royalty

There is plenty of evidence that Waltham Cross, a two minutes drive from Cheshunt, had ties to Royalty.

But Cheshunt has actually been the home to Queen Elizabeth I in the past, cementing the town’s history.

The Queen lived in Cheshunt in the 1500’s during her younger life.

10. Cheshunt to be Hertfordshire’s Lakeside?

Over the years, Cheshunt residents have always heard plans for a new town centre.

The problem is that we haven’t seen that much action yet.

One thing that people do get confused about is the other development which is called Cheshunt Lakeside which is on Delamare Road.

That development will bring 1,725 new homes, business space, a new primary school and shops and places for people to socialise with friends.

However this development is a new £400m retail and leisure development aiming to transform Cheshunt.

The work is aiming to be finished by the end of 2022 and the plans look amazing.

The development will feature:

• 230,000 sq ft of retail
• 250,000 sq ft of leisure, restaurants and a cinema
• 100,000 sq ft of offices including a new civic headquarters
• 200 homes
• 100 assisted living units
• A 2,500 space car park
• A major public realm development.

Exciting times!

11. Wrestler and boxing hotspot

Some Cheshunt residents will know some of the celebrities that have been seen in and around the town.

But the children and movie lovers will be able to point out some famous people leaving their mum and dads scratching their heads thinking ‘who’s that?’.

A couple of those are famous wrestlers and movie stars.

The likes of Dwayne Johnson, known as The Rock in the wrestling world and Batista have all been spotted in the area as they are fans of Monster Gym in Cheshunt.

Boxer Dillian Whyte also trains at the gym too.

A number of footballers and rappers are also known to be in the area too.

12. Laura Trott Leisure Centre or Grundy to some people

The Grundy Park Leisure Centre was always famously known as ‘Grundy’ in the old days and was a place where the younger generation used to hang out due to the big field.

But in 2014, it was renamed after Laura Trott, now known as Kenny, due to her achievements in the Olympics.

Even though it got renamed, it is still known to some people as Grundy as the memories of the old place never die.