Did you know that...
The two burial mounds in Chipperfield indicate that this WD4 area was inhabited since prehistoric times. The mounds may have represented boundary points for Bronze Age communities living in the valleys of the Gade and Chess. The first mention of Chipperfield is from the 14th century under the name of Chepervillewode. Only a few houses were here at that time. It is believed that the name derives from the Old English words “ceapere” which means trader and “feld” which means field. It is very likely that this North London area was an important trading center.
The manor house is a Grade II listed medieval construction. Thomas Gulston made extensive renovation works to it. In 1848, Chipperfield became a separate parish. The Blackwells are a notable local family. Two of its members died during World War I. The Blackwells village club was established in their honor. The club now features a bar and cafe. The War Memorial bears the name of local men who died in World War I and II. The churchyard has a war grave as well. The memorial plaque inside the church honors Chipperfield war victims too. The village common is one of the most distinctive features. It has Spanish sweet chestnut trees that may date from the 17th century. It is believed that they were brought here from Spain. Rumor has it that the trees were planted for Isabel of Castile, the first Duchess of York.
The Chipperfield Theater Group organizes a yearly pantomime event at the Village Hall. John Carter, the ancestor of the former U.S president Jimmy Carter, lived in the area at the Jeffery’s Farm. Actor Peter Sellers lived in the Chipperfield manor house. Many movie stars visited him here. St Paul’s church has a three manual organ and hosts many music events such as the popular The Festival of Lessons and Carols at Christmas.
