Watton-at-Stone is a village in Hertfordshire, England, situated midway between the towns of Stevenage and Hertford in the valley of the River Beane. It has a population of 2,272 (2001 census).
History The name Watton first appeared in writing in an 11th-century publication of 10th-century Anglo-Saxon wills as Wattun. It was later recorded in the Domesday Book as both Wodtune and Watone. The origin of the word is uncertain, and is variously ascribed to Old English wád, or woad, and ton meaning small farming settlement; or waden meaning ford; or from waétan meaning watery.
The suffix -at-Stone dates from the early 13th century and is derived from the presence of two large examples of Hertfordshire puddingstone, now situated at the Waggon and Horses public house.
A Roman Road ran from Verulamium (modern St Albans), fording the River Beane at Watton-at-Stone. A battle between the Danes and Saxons took place nearby in 1016. In later years, the natural springs in the area once made the village a popular spa town.
The village has a number of dwellings dating from early Tudor, such as Watton House, through to late Georgian constructions. Its flintstone Anglican church dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint Andrew dates from the 15th century.
