Hertford is both fascinating and unique. Whether it's as temporary home to both Church and Parliament, acting as home to a Castle and the confluence of four rivers, or the development of its County role, Hertford's history always deserves closer inspection.'
Mark Prisk, MP for Hertford and Stortford.
Hertford is the county town of Hertfordshire.
Hertford has two main line stations. There are fast trains from London, Kings Cross to Hertford North and also regular services from London, Liverpool Street to Hertford East.
The town can be approached by road from the A1 or A10 and then the A414, and is in easy reach of the M25 and M1 motorways.
For details please click to activate Google map.
HIDDEN HERTFORD
Hertford -
There has been a settlement on the River Lea (or Lee) since Saxon times. In 911 Edward the Elder son of Alfred the Great, founded two burghs on either side of the river at a ford crossing. This is believed to be around the area of Mill Bridge and where Nicholas Lane ends at the rivers edge at Old Cross Wharf. These two small towns developed into what we know today as Hertford.
Following the Norman Conquest a castle was established in Hertford. Hertford Castle
became the home for many Kings and Queens. Elizabeth I often stayed at the Castle
and during the London plague years in the mid-
In front of the gatehouse is a stone which commemorates the General Synod of 673AD at which the rules for calculating Easter were set out. It is believed that the actual site was close but not at this precise location.
Hertford's prosperity in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was founded on the abundant fields of barley around the town. It became a centre for the malting industry and grain was taken to London by barge along the River Lea. There are many reminders of this around the town in street names and the distinctive shapes of the kiln chimneys.
During the 1800's the Navigation Acts were passed and the Lea Navigation was founded
which runs through the centre of town forming Folly Island and became the main transport
route for river travel -
Hertford Museum -
Hertford Museum will be closing in December 2008 for twelve months in order that building work to improve facilities and access can commence.
However they will be running a series of tours throughout 2009 highlighting Hertford’s rich historical and architectural heritage.
This project is supported under the England Rural Development Programme by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund.
This project is supported by the East of England Development Agency and Action for Market Towns.
This project is supported by the National Lottery Awards For All Fund.
