Sandridge has a rich history and fascinating prehistory stretching back thousands of years:
’Prehistoric people‘ were present in the area evidenced by two white ovate implements found on Nomansland Common dating from the Paleolithic period (c.450,000-10,000 BC).
A tranchet axe (kept at Verulamium Museum) was found at Sandridge dating from the Mesolithic period (c.10,000-4,500 BC).
Bronze age (c.2,300-700 BC) people certainly left their mark evidenced by three (now regrettably ploughed-out) ’round barrow‘ burial mounds.
Iron age (c700 BC-43 AD) people became increasingly tribalised and the powerful Catuvellaunni (who controlled most of South-East England by the end of the Iron age) were based in Hertfordshire.
Roman occupation (43 AD-c.410AD) had an important influence on the area. Verulamium (St Albans) was the third largest city in Romano-Britain and there is evidence of a Roman road on the site.
Saxon (c.410AD-1066) people first gave Sandridge its current name which originates from combining the self-explanatory ’sand‘ with the old saxon ’hruggi‘ meaning ridge. In 796AD Egfrid (son of King Offa) gave the Manor of Sandridge to the St Albans Monastery.
The Middle Ages (1066-1485) started with the Norman invasion and the compilation of the Domesday Book in 1086. The entry for Sandridge manor consisted of several small farms including Hillend. The Battle of Sandridge (1461) is seen as a major turning point in the War of the Roses.