Goff's Oak

Goffs Oak is a village in the Borough of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, England. Situated between Cuffley and Cheshunt, it lies just north of the M25 motorway within the London commuter belt. Known for its semi-rural character and recent residential growth, Goffs Oak blends its agricultural heritage with modern suburban development.

History

Early History and Archaeology

Goffs Oak takes its name from the Goff family, prominent landowners in the medieval and post-medieval periods, who managed agricultural estates in the area. Archaeological evidence from a 2008 evaluation at Goffs Lane uncovered medieval ditches and post-medieval pottery, indicating settlement from at least the 13th century. The village developed along a Roman road linking London to the north, shaping its early growth. A centuries-old oak tree, a local landmark, stood until the 1950s, with a replacement destroyed during the Great Storm of 1987. Local folklore attributes symbolic importance to the tree, often linked to community gatherings.

World War II

During the Second World War, Goffs Oak and nearby Cheshunt were affected by Luftwaffe bombing raids targeting London’s periphery. Bombs fell near the Great Cambridge Road and residential areas, causing limited damage in Goffs Oak but impacting the wider community. A civil defence siren near Goffs Lane alerted residents during air raids and was tested regularly during the Cold War.

Post-War and Modern Era

A war memorial, unveiled in 1920 in the village centre, commemorates 32 local men who died in the First World War, with three names added after the Second World War. Designed by T. Llewelyn Daniel and R.E. Arnold, it is a Grade II listed monument.A Metropolitan Police station, established on Goffs Lane in 1895, possibly influenced by Lady Valerie Meux due to crime concerns on her Theobalds estate, operated until 1972. Rural policing relied on bicycle patrols and faced resource constraints. Policing transferred to Hertfordshire Constabulary in 2000.

Geography

Located approximately 20 miles north of central London at an elevation of about 80 metres, Goffs Oak retains a semi-rural character despite its commuter belt status. The New River, a 17th-century artificial waterway, flows nearby, supporting drainage and enhancing the village’s green landscape. Goffs Oak Playing Field provides recreational space, preserving the area’s rural appeal.

Culture and Community

Goffs Oak maintains a strong community identity with amenities such as the Goffs Oak Village Hall, local pubs, and restaurants. The annual Duck Race on the New River, supported by housebuilders like Crest Nicholson, raises funds for charities including the Cheshunt Sea Cadets and SPACE, a neurodiversity charity. The former Burnt Farm Army Camp was a filming location for the 1970s series ''Timeslip'' and ''The Protectors'' starring Robert Vaughn. Local folklore, including tales of the historic oak tree, remains a cultural touchstone for residents.

Crime and safety

Crime

Goffs Oak is generally considered a safe residential village, with crime levels typically below the national average. The area falls under the jurisdiction of Hertfordshire Constabulary, specifically the Cheshunt West policing neighbourhood, which includes Goffs Oak.

According to data from UKCrimeStats, the Goffs Oak and Bury Green ward reported between 91 and 133 crimes per month between April 2024 and March 2025. The most common offences included violence and sexual offences, antisocial behaviour, and vehicle crime. In March 2025, specific areas such as Goffs Lane and Cuffley Hill experienced incidents including antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, and violent offences.

Community safety initiatives in Goffs Oak include active Neighbourhood Watch schemes and collaboration between residents and local authorities. The Goffs Oak Community Association also engages with residents to address local issues and promote safety.

Road Safety

Concerns about road safety have been raised near local schools, particularly around Woodside Primary School and Goffs School. The Borough of Broxbourne highlighted in a travel plan statement that heavy traffic along Cuffley Hill created pedestrian severance risks. A signalised crossing was introduced to improve safety for pupils and families walking to school.

The B156 Goffs Lane has also been monitored by Hertfordshire County Council due to a history of speeding incidents and collisions near Goffs School, leading to the implementation of additional traffic-calming measures.

Education

The village hosts two primary schools: Goffs Oak Primary School and Woodside Primary School. Goffs Oak Primary opened a sensory garden in 2023, inaugurated by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, and earned a gold award for horticultural projects in 2024. The nearest secondary school is Goffs Academy in Cheshunt, serving pupils aged 11–18 and rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Religion

St James’, the Church of England parish church, was consecrated in 1861 as a daughter church of Cheshunt, becoming a separate ecclesiastical parish in 1871 with Hammond Street. Designed by architect James Edmeston in the Gothic Revival style, it features a distinctive nave and chancel, serving as a focal point for community worship and events. Catholic residents attend St Martin de Porres Church in Cuffley, established in 1963. The Goffs Oak Methodist Church, founded in 1868 as a Wesleyan Methodist chapel, was rebuilt in 1970 due to structural deterioration. It joined the Lea Valley Circuit in 2007 and hosts community groups, including the Women’s Institute and youth organizations.

Development

Goffs Oak has seen significant residential expansion. In 2018, Broxbourne Borough Council approved over 800 homes, raising concerns about congestion and infrastructure. Bellway’s Cedarbrook Rise added 66 homes in 2022, including 26 affordable units. Crest Nicholson’s Regents Brook, launched in 2023, introduced 30 properties, with a new park handed over in 2024. The Cheshunt Lakeside project, planned for 1,725 homes, faced delays after Inland Homes’ administration in 2023, with Broxbourne Council seeking £20 million in infrastructure funding.

Transport

Located near the M25 and A10, Goffs Oak benefits from strong transport links. The nearest railway stations are Cuffley, serving King’s Cross, and Cheshunt, connecting to Liverpool Street and Stratford. Local buses link to Cheshunt, Cuffley, and Waltham Cross. In 2024, £82,145 was allocated to address flooding on Goffs Lane, and £22,714 funded cycle parking and e-bike charging in Broxbourne.

Notable People

* Victoria Beckham, singer, fashion designer, and former Spice Girls member, grew up in Goffs Oak in a home built by her father.
* Buster Meikle, musician with Unit 4 + 2, known for the 1965 UK chart-topping single "Concrete and Clay", lived in the village.

References

External Links

Goffs Oak Community Website

Goffs Oak Methodist Church

St James' Church, Goffs Oak

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Villages in Hertfordshire
Borough of Broxbourne