The small, pretty hamlet of Great Amwell lies to the south of Ware and has a population of 1,055 (as given in the 2001 Census). The parish church, dedicated to St John the Baptist, stands next to the village stocks and the waters of the New River. This river was constructed in 1609 to 1613 to provide fresh water for the growing city of London. In the graveyard of the church lies Isaac Reed, a Shakespearean editor.

The Amwell part of the name comes from the Old English wella and a personal name to give ‘Aemma's spring or stream'. In the Domesday Book of 1086 the name appears as Emmewelle.

Amwellbury House

It is said that Amwellbury House is haunted by monks who walk in the grounds of the house on land owned by Westminster Abbey. Chanting has also been heard in the house.

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