With the arrival of the first Muslim group in Borehamwood last month, SURUCHI SHARMA looks at the history of faith communities in the area.

Going to church was the highlight of the week in the 12th Century.

It is believed the earliest church in the area was St John the Baptist Church, in Church Lane, Aldenham, which began life as a small chapel, records show.

“There was no Sunday cinema or television in those times so everyone went to church, “ said historian John Meloy. “The chapel must have served a very big area including Radlett and perhaps even further afield.”

Mr Meloy, 80, has been going to the church for about 30 years and is a tenor in the church choir.

He said: “The chapel would have been tiny, as there was a curate serving and not a vicar. Of course then the church was used as a religious place but also for a whole host of other things.

“The nave, or the main congregational section, was used for public meetings and sometimes as a rudimentary court.

“There were no seats in the church so you would often have to stand around for hours listening to the religious services which would be in Latin.

“Aldenham is a very traditional church. Attendance has definitely dropped since the early days, but we try to make an effort for Christmas, Easter and Remembrance Day.”

Rabbi Alan Plancey, 67, arrived at Borehamwood & Elstree United Synagogue in 1976 and served as its rabbi until taking up a temporary position at Northwood Synagogue, in Hillingdon, in July last year.

He said: “The Jewish community when I first started was a very, very small community. It has always been based in Croxdale Road.

“The community grew when more young married couples moved to the area. We have always maintained good relations with the wider community and always intergrated with them.

“I’ve spoken to almost every school in the area about the Jewish religion, which I think is very important. I’ve watched people grow up here and am very proud of what we have achieved.”

Bhaktivedanta Manor, in Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, is the home of the Hare Krishna Movement.

The manor was bought in 1973 by Beatle George Harrison and donated to the society that runs the Hare Krishna movement, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Vinay Tanna, from the manor, said the house became the focus for Hare Krishnas across the country. The land now includes 80 acres and has the largest cow protection programme in the country.

He said: “The house was a hospital during the Second World War, then it was privately owned and then kindly given to us by George Harrison.

“I have been working with the manor for about 20 years. Through that time we have provided people with an insight into Indian culture.

“We had more than 65,000 people at the Krishna festival this year who all enjoyed coming to the day and learning about the manor and what we do.

“We have worked with the community including helping with the Radlett Festival and poppy day. We have a strong connection with temples across the country and enjoy the links we have with people in the wider community.”