At one time part of the Ickleford civil parish was in Bedfordshire until it was transferred to Hertfordshire in 1844. The name derives from a personal name and the Old English word ford giving 'Icel's ford'. Henry Boswell, 'King of the Gypsies', who died at the age of 90, is buried in St Katharine's churchyard. At one time a branch of the Midland Railway started just southeast of the village and ran through ickleford heading through Henlow to Bedford, now very little remains. In the 2001 census the population was 1,754.

The Hermitage

In the Hermitage a figure has been seen on numerous occasions going up and down the stairs. The house was built in 1846 and was, at one time, the home of Vernon Jennings a funeral director whose business premises were next door. The ghost is said to be that of Vernon's mother and has been seen wandering around the house. Now the Hermitage is being used by County Ponds.

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