About
Ayot St. Lawrence
Other Local Sights

This delightful 14th century inn retains all the traditional features that one would ever hope to find. The extensive walled garden provides a glorious sun trap in all but the most inclement weather. The inglenook fireplace bids guests the warmest of welcomes accompanied with real ale and legendary tales of Henry VIII's supposed wooing of Catherine Parr in the Manor House. The oak beamed, low ceilinged bars and restaurant are full of character and the local water colours by Dick Leech add to the overall charm. The Wine and Ale will satisfy the most discerning of palates and the cuisine specializes in game and home cooked traditional meals.

Surrounded by the beautiful rolling Hertfordshire countryside, Ayot St. Lawrence is one of the loveliest villages in the county, with a wealth of history and intrigue that few can match. The Brocket Arms itself was originally the Monastic Quarters for the Norman church until the Reformation when the Catholics were outlawed, indeed a legendary priest was tried and hanged in the Inn, ever since then the place has been haunted by this affable character.

Ayot House was once famous as Britain's only silk farm. Opposite the now ruined Norman Church the rambling Old Rectory originally accommodated clergy and staff. In 1778 the Palladian church was built as a replacement to the Norman Church.

Ayot St Lawrence is well known as the home of George Bernard Shaw, where he lived for forty years until his death in 1950. It now belongs to The National Trust and is open from April to October.