Cities and Towns - Hertfordshire

Baldock www.north-herts.gov.uk
An important Iron Age/Roman settlement, whose borough was founded in 1250. The town gained importance in the coaching era, when it was the first main stop on the Great North Road out of London. It has retained much of its old-world charm, with handsome 16-18th C. bulidings. Baldock's greatest feature is St. Mary's Church.

Berkhamsted www.dacorum.gov.uk
This thriving town is steeped in history, with a large section of the elegant High Street designated a conservation centre. Close by are the ruins of the former 11th C. castle. The town has strong literary links, including Graham Greene, William Cowper and J.M. Barrie. To the north is the 5,000 acres of the 'Ashridge Estate'.

Bishop’s Stortford www.eastherts.gov.uk
Set on the River Stort, this ancient market town is the birthplace (1853) of Cecil Rhodes, who went to South Africa and found his fortune in the diamond mines. A former coaching centre, the town prospered from the malting and brewing industry. There are many fine 16/17th C. buildings, alongside the remains of a Norman castle.

Hemel Hempstead www.dacorum.gov.uk
Unlike most new towns, Hemel Hempstead developed around a charming old settlement, centred on St. Mary´s Church (which dates from c.1150). The preserved High Street has 17/18th C. houses, specialist shops and a lively arts centre. The New Town is a vibrant centre with an undercover shopping mall and water gardens.

Hertford www.eastherts.gov.uk
Historic county town, at the meeting place of four rivers, and a royal borough for more than 1,000 years. The former castle with its Norman mound, massive walls and 15th C. gatehouse stand in attractive gardens. Impressive 18th C. Shire Hall, and the oldest purpose-built Quaker meeting house (c.1670) in the world. The town has also become famed as an antiques centre, especially along St. Andrew Street.

Hitchin www.north-herts.gov.uk
Ancient market town dating back to Saxon times. A former Royal Manor, Hitchin prospered from the medieval wool trade, and retains its medieval plan with narrow streets. The market square has Tudor/Georgian buildings, and is overlooked by the county's largest parish church. Nearby is Hitchin Priory, an 18th C. mansion.

Letchworth Garden City www.north-herts.gov.uk
The world's first Garden City, founded in 1903 - its unique design based on the ideas of Ebenezer Howard. His dream was to combine the health of the country with the comfort of the town, with carefully planned and well designed housing and industries. Wide tree-lined avenues, parks and gardens add to its unique appeal.

Royston www.north-herts.gov.uk
Busy market town, which grew up around a cross erected by Lady Roisia (around 1066). This marked the intersection of the ancient Icknield Way and 'Roman' Ermine Street. In the 17th C. Royston became a hunting base for James I. Several historic buildings, award-winning gardens and man made cave with medieval carvings.

St. Albans www.stalbans.gov.uk
An historic city shaped by 2,000 years of history. Named after Alban - Britain's first Christian martyr, the city is built beside the site of Verulamium, the third largest Roman city in Britain. Today's settlement developed in Saxon times, around the precincts of the 10th C. monastery. Discover Roman remains, the 11th C. Cathedral/Abbey Church, bustling shopping areas and attractive parkland.

Stevenage www.stevenage.gov.uk
Sitting amongst open farmland, Stevenage was a small market town until 1946, when it was designated Britain's first New Town. Divided into neighbourhoods, Stevenage is noted for its parks, leisure facilities and Britain's first pedestrianised shopping centre. The quaint `old town´ offers pubs, restaurants and shops.

Tring www.dacorum.gov.uk
Lying on the edge of the Chiltern Hills beside the Grand Union Canal, this attractive market town has been important since the 17th C. The wealthy Rothschild family had a strong influence on the town, their mansion (now a private school) is set in 300 acres of landscaped parkland. Zoological museum and memorial gardens.

Ware www.eastherts.gov.uk
Once a major centre for brewing, this attractive market town is set on the navigable section of the River Lea. The town has many historic buildings, including old coaching inns, 18th C. riverside gazebos and the unique Scott's Grotto, decorated with flints, shells and coloured glass. Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed Queen in the town in 1553.

Watford www.watford.gov.uk
Hertfordshire´s largest town is a busy and prosperous regional centre for shopping and entertainment. Impressive 'Harlequin Shopping Centre', elegant Edwardian theatre and popular football club - where Sir Elton John is the Life President. Cassiobury Park bordering the River Gade and Grand Union Canal offers both formal and wildlife areas.