The church, largely Dec., still retains some Saxon foundations, and has singular features worthy of comment.  The embattled tower is separate from the main structure, standing on the S. side of the chancel; the chancel is raised much higher than the nave, from which it is approached by a flight of steps; note the hagioscope on either side of the chancel arch.  Within the chancel, on the S. side, stands the fine monument to Sir Ralph Sadleir, consisting of altar-tomb and marble effigy in armour, recumbent beneath a canopy supported by Corinthian pillars; note the relieved figures of his sons and daughters on the lower part of the tomb, also, suspended above, two helmets and other relics.  The standard pole captured at Pinkie rests beside the effigy.  There are also several old brasses.  Close to the village, at Old Hall Green, are the Roman Catholic College, Chapel and Cemetery; the college was founded at Twyford, Hants, late in the seventeenth century, from whence it was removed, first to Standon Lordship, and then (1769) to Old Hall.  The library is large and valuable.

STANSTEAD ABBOTS may be easily reached from St. Margaret’s Station, G.E.R., 1/2 mile W. It was a place of considerable trade at the time of the Conquest.  The old flint church is E.E., with a chapel on the N. side, built by Edward Baesh—­whose monument it contains—­in 1577.  He was lord of the manor of Stanstead Abbots and “General Surveyor of the Victuals for the Navy Royal and Marine affairs within the Realms of England and Ireland” (d. 1587).  He married Jane, a daughter of Sir Ralph Sadleir. (See Standon.) The six Baesh Almshouses were built and endowed by his son, Sir Edward Baesh.  Several brasses, some mutilated, are in the church, notably one near the altar-rails to William Saraye or Saxaye, late of “Grais In” (d. 1581). Stansteadbury, a huge gabled mansion, largely rebuilt, stands in extensive grounds, and was the home of the Baeshs and of their successors, the Feildes.

Stapleford, a village on the river Beane, is 3 miles N.N.W. from Hertford.  The church is Perp. with N. porch; it was enlarged nearly fifty years ago, when the present tower was added.

STEVENAGE, a town on the Great North Road, has shifted from its original position.  It once stood farther N.E. and close to the church; but after a terrible fire which destroyed a large proportion of its houses the village was gradually rebuilt more directly on the famous old coaching road.  The first paper mill in England is said to have been built in this parish.  Several of its inns were standing when the regular coaches were on the road.

[Illustration:  STEVENAGE CHURCH]

The old Church of St. Nicholas, 3/4 mile N.E., is reached through an avenue of limes and chestnuts, headed by a new lich-gate.  It is largely E.E.  Note the octagonal pillars and pointed arches of the nave and the two small chapels attached to the chancel.  The font at the W. end is under an Early Norman arch.  There are several modern windows of stained glass, and a good brass, early sixteenth century, in the chancel.  The church at the S. end of the town was designed by Sir A. W. Blomfield about sixty years back, but has since been much enlarged.  Half a mile farther S. on the main road are six almost equidistant mounds, thought to be of Danish origin.