Great Gaddesden

Great Gaddesen (IPA: gædzdən) is a parish in Dacorum Hundred in Hertfordshire, England. It is located in the Chiltern Hills, north of Hemel Hempstead. The parish borders to Flamstead, Hemel Hempstead, Nettleden and Little Gaddesden and also to Studham in Bedfordshire.

The Church St. John the Baptist was probably the site of a pre-Christian sanctuary. The church shows features of every period since the 12th century. Part of the chancel with Roman bricks dates back to the early 12th century. The old church was extended by the south aisle in the 13th century and the north aisle in the 14th century, the west tower was built in the 15th century and the north chapel in th 18th.

Gaddesden Place southwest of the small village was built from 1768 to 1773 for the Halsey familiy. It is surrounded by a huge park. In 1905 a fire destroyed the interior of the main house.

The River Gade has its name from Gaddesden. Its clear water is used for watercress beds along the river and at Water End south of Great Gaddesden is an old corn mill provided by the stream. The bridge over the river at Water End has a medieval appearance but was built in the 19 century.