The cancellation of the pre-war project to extend the Northern Line to Elstree, and then the creation of the Green Belt, have helped the area retain much of its rural nature and atmosphere.
Elstree is synonymous with film making, but in fact, most film production was actually in Boreham Wood, where many well-known films were made, such as The Dambusters, Where Eagles Dare, 2001: Space Odyssey, and in later days TV has made EastEnders there. At their peak the studios in the area made up the largest film production facility outside Hollywood.
Elstree still retains much of historic interest. There are houses of medieval origin, and buildings dating from the 15th century. These include Aldenham House, now the property of Haberdashers' Aske's School.
245 x 185mm (hardback with 156 illustrations) 128 pages
Published 2006
