There are two theories regarding the naming of the village. One comes from Saxon times and is derived from the name of the river to the west of the village - the Beane. The middle syllable 'ing' is common in place names all over south-east England and means 'people', Benington therefore meaning The Town of the Beane Folk.
The second view is that Benington is a corruption of the name 'Belinton' which appears in the Domesday Book. This is thought to mean the town of Bela's people, after the name of the man who led the first group of immigrants to the area.[2]
Population
According to the 2001 census it had a population of 922. At the 2011 Census the population had reduced to 908.[1]
Economy
The village has a strong farming history, and much of the surrounding countryside is still agricultural.
Transport
The village has an airstrip to the south south west—Position: N51°52.95 W000°07.37
The village is served by a local bus route, number 384, between Stevenage and Hertford, which additionally links it to Walkern, Dane End, and Tonwell.
Local facilities
It has two churches
Saint Peter's Church of England, a Grade I listed building. The churchyard contains 2 war memorials in the form of a cross (unlisted) and a lychgate (Grade II listed).
Benington Methodist Church
There is also a primary school (Benington Church of England Primary School) and two public houses (the Lordship Arms and the Bell). The Bell is a late medieval hall house, listed grade II*.[3]
The Old Tower is a former Victorian water tower, now converted as a private residence.
The gardens of Benington Lordship are well known for their snowdrops and views over the surrounding Hertfordshire countryside. The gardens also feature a Victorian folly, kitchen garden, contemporary sculptures, carp pond, wildlife areas and rose gardens.[5]
