Hertford Castle
The Tudors
Henry VII 1485-1509 was the first Tudor king and conferred the castle to his wife in 1487. Henry spent little time at the castle. However, his son, Henry VIII 1509-47 spent considerable sums turning the castle into a civilian palace. This included work on the gatehouse, which still stands, and is said to have been originally built by Edward IV around 1465.
Henry VIII's matrimonial adventures are legendary. He had a daughter, Mary, by Katherine of Aragon; another, Elizabeth, by Anne Bolyn; and a son, Edward, by Jane Seymour, sister of the Earl of Hertford. All three spent time at the royal residences of Hertford, Hatfield and Hunsdon.
Prince Edward was at Hertford Castle when he was informed on his father's death on 30th January 1547 and subsequently as Edward VI 1547-53 granted the castle to Princess Mary, whilst Elizabeth remained at Hatfield.
Following the death of Edward, Mary I 1553-8 came to the throne and temporarily restored the authority of The Pope. At this time Hertford Castle was used to imprison Protestant martyrs.
The death five years later of Mary brought to the throne Elizabeth I 1558-1603. She granted further charters to the town, including the power to pass bye-laws. In addition, she authorised the provision of a Town Hall and a gaol. The Queen was regulary in Hertford and on one 16 day visit in 1561 spent the extraordinary sum of £1975. At various times between 1563 and 1593, the Law courts and possibly parliament were relocated to Hertford because of The Plague. This was in addition to a large number of private individuals from the city, swelling the population considerably.
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