Pirton, Hertfordshire

Pirton is a large village and civil parish three miles north-west of Hitchin in Hertfordshire, England. The population of the civil parish as of the 2011 census is 1,274.[1] The church, rebuilt in 1877, but with the remains of its 12th-century tower, is built within the bailey of a former castle, Toot Hill.[2] Pirton Grange, which was remodelled in the 18th century, is in the north of the parish, and is a particularly interesting, moated Elizabethan house with a timber framed gatehouse. Hammonds Farm and Rectory Farm, with its tithe barn, are also Elizabethan.

Church of St. Mary, Pirton

It first appeared in official records in the Domesday Book in 1086AD within the hundred of Hitchin.[3] Pirton was then known as Peritone (meaning 'Homestead of Pears')[4]

The Icknield Way Path passes through the village on its 110-mile journey from Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire to Knettishall Heath in Suffolk. The Icknield Way Trail, a multi-user route for walkers, horse riders and off-road cyclists also passes through the village.

There are two churches in Pirton - one Methodist, one Anglican. There is a village school which teaches children from reception to Year 6. Many students continue on at Hitchin Priory. Pirton as a village is in the shape of an isosceles triangle. There are two local pubs - the Motte and Bayley and the Fox. They are on opposite sides of Pirton. Pirton has both football and cricket clubs.