John Bunyan's Chimney, Hertfordshire

The 17th century chimney stack is all that remains of a cottage, demolished in 1877, thought to have given residence to John Bunyan.

Bunyan (1628 – 1688) is most famous for his religious allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress which is said to be, on some accounts, the most widely read book in the English language and has been translated into 200 different languages. He was a frequent visitor to Hertfordshire and often preached in the nearby villages, an activity which landed him with a 12 year prison sentence in nearby Bedford, during which he wrote both volumes of his novel. He died on August 31st 1688, having caught a severe cold on the way back from London.

The site is very small and is literally just a chimney stack. I was disappointed to see crude steel supports placed on it which took some of the charm away. However, the site is well worth a brief look if visiting the John Bunyan pub or desirous a pleasant bike ride through the Hertfordshire countryside. It is very easy to find; from the High Street, Wheathampstead, turn left into Marford Road (B651), and then right into Coleman Green Lane. Follow this road for just over ½ a mile, and the chimney can be seen on the left, just before ‘The John Bunyan’ Public House. Grid reference TL 1905 1265.

Sources:
Information sign on site – St. Albans Museum.
http://www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/archaeology/moreaboutarch/archsites/johnbunyans/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bunyan

Sagging chimney stack.

Picture showing the plaque which states: 'John Bunyan is said by tradition to have preached and occasionally to have lodged in the cottage of which this chimney was a part'.

Pictures taken 30th August 2008.