Bennington, a village and a parish in the county of Hertford. The village stands near the river Beane, and near a branch Roman way, 5 miles ESE of Stevenage, and 6 from Stevenage station on the G.N.R. It has a post and money order office under Stevenage; telegraph office, Walkern. It was formerly a market-town, and has still a pleasure fair on 10 July. The parish comprises 3060 acres; population of the civil parish, 627; of the ecclesiastical, 617. The manor belonged to the Benstedes, the Caesars, and the Earl of Essex, and belongs now to the Proctors. An ancient palace of the kings of Mercia stood here, and cither that or a castle which succeeded it is now indicated by an entrenched eminence. Bennington Park, to the east, is a fine seat. The living is a rectory in the diocese of St. Albans; net value, £362 with residence. Patron, trustees. The church contains some ancient monuments, and is good. There is a Primitive Methodist chapel, and there are a few small charities.
