Stanstead Abbotts is edged by the River Ash to the north and the Rivers Stort and River Lea to the southern end. The area used to be mainly for growing arable crops and although farming still plays a large part the use of the land has diversified.
The village's name was recorded in the Domesday records as "Stanstede". The addition of "Abbotts" came later after the manor came under the possesion of the Abbot of Waltham Cross Abbey. The Abbey was dissolved in 1531 by order of King Henry the eighth. Henry then granted the manor to his wife Anne Boleyn but it reverted to the crown after Annes execution. Queen Elizabeth 1st granted the manor to Edward Baesh. Edward built the Grammar school at the end of Cappel Lane, now the Clock House, and the alms houses in the Roydon Road. The Baeshe family were active in the village for many years.
Rye House is in the parish of Stanstead Abbotts and although the main house has gone the gate house still remains. The Rye House plot to assasinate King Carles 2nd in 1683 is well documented. A certain Richard Rumbold gathered a following of dissedents who were to assemble at Rye House and ambush King Charles on his return from Newmarket races. Rye House was a lonely spot and Rumbold and his party had access to the house and could use it to conceal themselves. Unfortunately for Rumbold the King returned early from Newmaket and the plot came to nothing. News of the plot reached the kings ears and many prominent people were arrested including the Kings illegitimate son.
Stanstead Abbotts along with Ware and Hertford was at the forefront of the malt industry. French and Jupps still continue the business in the Maltings and have been doing so over 300 years. See http://frenchandjupps.com/
The main reason for the malt industry being located here was the access to the River Lea which gave barges direct routes to London. The river was dredged in places to aid navigation and it deviates from it's original path in some areas. Some maps list these parts as "Lea Navigation" to show the modified route.
The Church has alway played an important part in the Village. The original village Church of Saint James was built to the south east of the village next to Stanstead Bury manor house. This is some way outside the village at the top of Cats Hill and on the way to Roydon. The church dates to the 13th century but a church of some description may have stood there before this time. Saint James is no longer the village church but is still used on occasion for seasonal services and carol singing.
The Church of Saint Andrew in Cappel Lane was built in 1881 and became the parish church in place of Saint James. Today the churches of Stanstead Abbotts, Saint Margarets and Great Amwell are all under the direction of one vicar, the Rev Anne Donaldson, (2011). For more details on the parish Christian activity see http://www.3churches.net/