At Puckeridge, the Cambridge Road branches off in two directions; one continues through Buntingford, and the other, called the Higher Road, runs through Barkway and Barley, upon which latter branch is situated the interesting old Village of Braughing, which was formerly part of the domain of the Saxon kings. It had once a market, granted by King Stephen, but long since discontinued. The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, is handsome and spacious, and contains a sepulchral chapel of the Brograve family, which is now converted into a vestry and school-room. There are many inscriptions to the former occupants of the manorial Mansion of Hamells in the vicinity, two of which are to two brothers of the Brograve family, who died in 1597 and 1602; also several ancient brasses, defaced and dateless, and a monument to a person named Freeman, dated 1740. The living is a Vicarage, of the value of £260 per annum, in the patronage of the Tower family. The Register dates from 1563.

Braughing Village Herbert Tompkins, Highways & Byways in Hertfordshire, 1910

In the Church tower at Braughing there is an uncommonly musical ring of eight bells, which are much celebrated, and are reported to have a considerable admixture of silver in their composition.

The Independents and Wesleyans have Chapels, and there are two Schools in the Parish. The Charities produce £20 per annum.

Near the Church is a curious old building, which, by the bequest of a former benevolent inhabitant, was fitted up for the reception of poor couples on their wedding day. Speaking of this in his History, Salmon says that -

"Near the Church is an old house at present inhabited by poor families; it was given, with all sorts of furniture, for the use of weddings. They carried their provisions, and had a large kitchen with a caldron, large spits, and dripping pan; a large room for entertainment and merriment; and a lodging room with bride bed and good linen; some of this furniture was lately in being."

On a commanding eminence on the opposite side of the old High Road, stands the handsome and imposing Mansion of HAMELLS, the residence of Miss Mellish; the park and grounds attached to which are beautiful and extensive, and contain some fine timber of antique growth.

A sarcophagus of white marble, and many Roman antiquities, coins, etc., were discovered in a close called Lashfield, near the village, in 1799, and it has been suggested that here was the Roman Station of Ad Fines. It is a choice between Braughing and Royston.

The Buntingford branch of Railway crosses the road in this Parish. A quantity of remains of Roman pottery and coins were discovered when the excavations for the Railway were made, many of which are in the possession of an inhabitant.

There is an annual Fair on Whit Monday and Tuesday. The population of Braughing is 1076; the number of acres 4322.

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