The celebrity-filled affluent town once home to Owen Farrell, Eric Morecambe, Tim Rice and Jack Wilshere

Harpenden is well-known for being one in every of Hertfordshire’s most affluent areas.

With home costs within the space fetching a mean of £870,468 during the last 12 months in accordance to Rightmove, it is maybe no shock it is had brushings with the wealthy and well-known.

The town, which is simply outdoors the county’s solely metropolis, St Albans, has a inhabitants of round 30,000 and is well-liked with commuters (once we might really go to our workplaces in individual, for those who bear in mind what that was like).

Its excessive property costs – that are usually double the nationwide common – are largely because of its location.

Harpenden is inside touching distance of London, and the capital has undoubtedly contributed to its excessive residing prices.

But regardless of the astronomical wages wanted to afford to dwell within the town, the realm has lots going for it.

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After all, the beautiful River Lea flows by way of the Batford neighbourhood whereas Poets’ Corner – which sees streets on the east aspect of the town named after illustrious writers equivalent to William Shakespeare – is ideal for literary lovers.

Various celebs have additionally been recognized to name Harpenden their home.

We all know the wages related to Premier League footballers, so it is maybe no shock that former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere, in addition to ex-Manchester United winger and full-back Ashley Young, have resided within the space.

Continuing the sporting theme, England rugby captain Owen Farrell is a well-recognized face within the town.

View of Harpenden from the station

The Saracens fly-half moved to Harpenden when his dad Andy signed for the aspect in 2005.

Owen was 13 or 14 on the time and this was the place he was given his first style of rugby union.

The England ace, who led the nation to a 2020 Six Nations win, attended St George’s School in Harpenden.

And for those who want one other glimpse into Harpenden’s affluence, the college is likely one of the UK’s high 100 state-funded establishments.

It was even named because the Sunday Times’ ‘Comprehensive School of the Year’ in 2019.

He later studied on the University of Hertfordshire.

England's Owen Farrell during an England training session at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot

England’s Owen Farrell throughout an England coaching session at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot

Renowned composer Sir Tim Rice has additionally been proud to name the town his home.

The 76-year-old lyricist and creator is arguably finest recognized for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber with whom he wrote exhibits equivalent to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.

He’s additionally labored with esteemed artists equivalent to ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson.

He was knighted by the Queen in 1994 for his providers to music and additionally has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Sir Tim is one in every of 16 artists to have gained an Emmy, Oscar, Grammy and Tony within the US.

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The 2020 Sunday Times Rich List valued Rice at £155m, making him the Twenty first-richest music millionaire within the UK.

Staying on the planet of leisure, John Eric Bartholomew lived within the town.

Eric is maybe higher recognized by his stage identify – Eric Morecambe – and he was one half of the hilarious double act Morecambe and Wise, with the partnership lasting from 1941 till his demise in 1984.

Morecambe took his stage identify from his home town, the seaside of Morecambe in Lancashire.

The 1977 Christmas particular of The Morecambe & Wise Show was seen by over 28m folks within the UK.

Comedy double act Morecambe and Wise

Comedy double act Morecambe and Wise

His affect won’t ever be forgotten, and in 2002 he was named one of many 100 Greatest Britons in a BBC ballot.

Morecambe and his household lived within the West Common space Harpenden from the Sixties till his demise.

In December final 12 months, it was introduced the brand new tradition centre is to be named after him. The centre is being constructed on the location of the town’s former sports activities centre in Rothamsted Park.

The comic usually referred to the town all through his work and a band once appeared on the present named The Harpenden Hot-Shots.

In a Casanova sketch he launched himself as Lord Eric, Fourth Duke of Harpenden “and sure components of Birkenhead”.

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A sculpture of Eric Morecambe stands on the Upper Lea Valley Walk between Harpenden and Luton.

Meanwhile, Liverpool-born Craig Charles has additionally resided in Harpenden.

The Red Dwarf and Coronation Street star-turned DJ additionally offered Robot Wars between 1998 and 2004.

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