Hempstead in Essex
Resting place of William Harvey and Sir Eliab Harvey and birthplace of Dick Turpin

Welcome to Hempstead!

The small village of Hempstead lies 6 miles east of Saffron Walden in the rolling hills of North-west Essex and part of Uttlesford District. Whilst it only has about 175 properties and a population of around 450, it sports some fascinating history beyond its size. Much has happened since it was called Hamsteda at the time of the Doomsday Book when there were 10 times more pigs than people.

The Highwayman Dick Turpin, born in the village pub, the Bell Inn as it was in 1705 and worked in his father’s butcher’s shop before becoming notorious and eventually hanged in York in 1734.

In St. Andrew’s church at the top of the hill lies the tomb of William Harvey 1578-1657, who discovered the circulation of blood in the human body which changed the medical world completely

Latest News

What’s happening in Hempstead.

Original website pre 2023

Original website pre 2023

For information not yet loaded on this new site, visit our original website at: https://www2.gurdon.cam.ac.uk/hempstead-essex/index.htm

Upcoming Local Events

Upcoming events in and around Hempstead.

Puppy Training
Thu 14 Dec
Puppy Training -
Hatha Yoga
Mon 18 Dec
Hatha Yoga -
Ladies Keep Fit
Tue 19 Dec
Ladies Keep Fit -
1st Radwinter Cubs
Wed 20 Dec
1st Radwinter Cubs -
Black Bin Day
Thu 21 Dec
Black Bin Day
Puppy Training
Thu 21 Dec
Puppy Training -
Hatha Yoga
Mon 25 Dec
Hatha Yoga -
Ladies Keep Fit
Tue 26 Dec
Ladies Keep Fit -
1st Radwinter Cubs
Wed 27 Dec
1st Radwinter Cubs -
Green Bin Day
Thu 28 Dec
Green Bin Day
Puppy Training
Thu 28 Dec
Puppy Training -
Hatha Yoga
Mon 01 Jan
Hatha Yoga -

Latest Parish Documents

Latest documents from Hempstead Parish Council 

Parish Council Agenda, Extraordinary Meeting 30th August

Parish Council Minutes 17th August 2023

District Councillor Report August 2023