This site is now occupied by new houses.

Before the houses were built, the site held the derelict remains of the Cromwell Piggeries. These were built by the Noblett family who owned the Helmets factory that flourished in Wheathampstead for much of the 20th century.

The story goes that in 1926 Thomas Noblett asked his eldest son, Tom, then aged 16, “What was the name of that fellow who led the Ironsides in the Civil War?”

“Oliver Cromwell,” answered his son.

“Cromwell!  That's the chap!  That's what I shall call my helmets.”

And Cromwell – he was, after all, The Lord Protector – duly became the brand name for the company's helmets.

During the Second World War, the buildings were used as small units to manufacture "drop tanks" for Spitfires, enabling them to carry more fuel and therefore fly for longer. 

The buildings were demolished in the early 2020s.