A legacy of education
The Abel Smith family has been closely involved in local education for many years. The family founded Abel Smith School in 1861, a flourishing primary school in Hertford. The family also co-founded Haileybury College in 1862, a co-educational independent school in Hertford, and took the decision in 1934 to turn the Main House in Woodhall Park into a school. Lt Col Abel H Smith was the founding Chairman of the Hertford District Scout Association, forming a long-standing link between the estate and the scout movement. The estate supports our local schools, such as Stapleford School, whose main building has been provided by the estate, rent free, for many years. As a tradition, the school presents a summer rose to the Abel Smith family every June.
Learn more about the many ways the estate supports our communities.