Location

The civil parish of St Ippolyts is set in predominately agricultural countryside just to the south of the market town of Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

Early civilisation is indicated by traces of Bronze Age burial mounds and a later local Roman Road and tumulus. Neither Gosmore nor St Ippolyts is mentioned in the Domesday Survey, the earlier settlement having been at Almshoe in the south of the parish.

The parish comprises of the villages of Gosmore and St Ippolyts, the hamlets of Ashbrook, Little Almshoe, St Ibbs and the former New England .

The parish is fortunate in having some fine buildings, lovely countryside, archaeological areas and two conservation areas.

Community

There has been an extensive housing development within the parish boundaries during the 20 th century. The community is a wide mix of social and age groups and there is mix of housing tenure.
St Ippolyts Church sits on the brow of a hill near to the Church of England Aided Primary School. There is also a Preparatory School in the parish.

St Ippolyts has both Parochial Church Council and Parish Council. The community is active having prepared a Parish Plan with Action Plan and currently fund raising for the church roof appeal launched January 2005

Leisure and Recreation

The main facility for the use and enjoyment of all the community is the Hall where a wide variety of groups meet on a regular basis. The wider community also use the Hall for other events, functions and private parties.

In addition there is a recreation ground with Bowls Club and Football Club. There is a village green at St Ippolyts also Dell Field a community conservation area and Gosmore also has a village green. There is also a network of footpaths and bridleways.

Employment

There is some employment in the parish and also work in Hitchin, Stevenage and other local towns with some residents commuting to London .

The parish has a shop with post office. There are three public houses all of which have catering facilities and one has accommodation. There is a nursing home, residential home and a number of other small businesses.