History

Fore Street in 1950 (Courtesy: Hertford Museum)

Hertford's recorded history dates back to Saxon times when Theodor of Tarsus presided over the Church Synod of 673. It has grown from a fortified burgh at the time of the Norman Invasion to a modern prosperous town, playing host to kings and queens along the way.
 

A Brief History
The history of Hertford in a nutshell, from 673 to the present day. more

Timeline
A timeline showing important events in the town's evolution and development since 673AD. more

Hertford Castle
The history of the Castle spans a millenium, starting with the town's establishment in Saxon times. more

Speed's Map
Speed's Map of 1610 is one of the first maps of the town. It is the only one to show the Royal Castle still standing. more

Hidden Hertford
This feature covers a number of sites in and around the town that may have escaped your notice. more

The Priory
Hertford Priory was established shortly after the Norman Conquest by Ralph de Limesi. more

Samuel Stone
Sam Stone lived in Hertford and founded the town's counterpart in America. more

Rail Comes to Town
The railway came to Hertford in 1843, with the first station built adjacent to The Great Eastern Tavern in Railway Street. more

History of Schools
Information about Hertford's schools, past and present. more

Christ's Hospital
For some 400 years Hertford was the home of Christ's Hospital and the Bluecoat girls and boys that inhabited it. more

The Last Witch
Jane Wenham of Walkern was the last person in the UK to be tried for witchcraft. more

Hertford's Gaol
Hertford has had three gaols over the centuries, in addition to the dungeon at Hertford Castle. more

The Past In Pictures
Photos of Hertford from the 19th and early 20th centuries. more

Mill Bridge
Mill Bridge connects Old Cross with the Wash and for many year a toll was charged to cross it. more

Butcherley Green
Butcherley Green was one of the roughest parts of the town 100 year ago. more

The Utilities
300 years ago there was go gas supply, electricity, mains water or sewerage system. more

Names
What is the connection between Hertford and various names. more