Message: 6 Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:17:24 -0000 From: "Mike Chaney" <michaelchaney@blueyonder.co.uk> Subject: Re: [HRT] The Ponyards House? To: <eng-hertfordshire@rootsweb.com> Message-ID: <E286FCCAB5D54B0CA3DF66BC270725CC@DellLaptop> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=original Judith.... I've not gone into this in detail, but I think the proper spelling is "Pondyards". It was originally called Verulam House, the ownership of which in the 18th century is tortuous to unravel. Googling Pondyards House will take you to the parish of St. Michael and (excuse the pun) deeper waters. Searching for postcode AL3 6RD on www.streetmap.co.uk will take you to a modern business park called Pondyards, which may be the correct location, about a mile and a half north west of the town centre. A possible alternative might be the lake adjoining Verulamium Park, near the town centre, as this fits the description given in the historical records of Verulam House, but I think it less likely. Mike the Googling Map Man Mike, this is brilliant, thank you. I'd tried HALS and they didn't know. Your answer makes perfect sense as Thomas' father William, then Thomas himself, and finally Thomas' son Thomas, were tenant farmers at Kettlewells in St Michael's, which I believe was owned by Lord Verulum. Thank you so much, Judith