Brent Pelham


Brent Pelham is a village and civil parish in the East Hertfordshire district, in the county of Hertfordshire, England, and situated approximately 5 miles east of Buntingford. It is one of the three Pelhams, with Stocking Pelham and Furneux Pelham. It shares a parish council with Meesden.
The parish church of St Mary's dates from the 14th century. It contains a black marble tomb slab of the 13th century, upon which the name of legendary local dragon-slayer Piers Shonks and a date of 1086 has been added. Symbols of the Four Evangelists - angel, eagle, lion, and bull - have been carved in relief around a dragon's mouth. The church is part of a benefice with Anstey, Hormead, Meesden and Wyddial.
Near St Mary's church are ancient stocks which could accommodate up to three people. A derelict windmill survives in the village.
There is a Royal Observer Corps observer post just outside the village, but it is now in a state of disrepair. It has an Orlit, which is rare for posts in this area.