Contents
Hertford TOWN GUIDE 2013
Shopping • Eating Out • Local Attractions • Events • Map Herts Guide cover CARLA.indd 3
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Contents
CONTENTS 05 07 09 09 10 - 12 14 - 15 16 - 17 19 - 25
Introduction to Hertford
Tourist Information Centre Shopper’s Delight Eating Out
The Absolute Musts
Hertford Historic Walk Map
Local Attractions Animals & Wildlife
Parliament Square
Children’s Play Places Places of Interest Walking & Cycling Parks & Gardens
27 29 30 - 33 34
Hertford Castle
Cycling in Lee Valley Park
Swimming Pools & Gyms
Town Twinning Events
Historical Highlights Useful Contacts
Farmers’ Market in Salisbury Square
Published by Thompson Media Partners Ltd. on behalf of Hertford Town Council
Publisher Sean Thompson 01954 267696 sean@eastmag.com Publishing Consultant Paul Gibson 01954 268129 paul@eastmag.com Editor Chris Johnson chris@eastmag.com Designer Carla Keen carla@eastmag.com Advertising Manager Stewart Hedges 07595 894557 stewart@eastmag.com Additional photographs courtesy of Steve Beeston and Andrew Catterall
Hertford Town Guide
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Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO HERTFORD
Hertford’s Famous Past Residents
H
Hertford Castle
ertford, the County Town of Hertfordshire, has a rich history, and a wealth of activities and attractions for local residents and visitors to the town.
Whilst Hertford Castle is the best known of the town’s historic buildings, there are many others of great architectural interest and historical importance, including a Norman church, the world’s oldest purpose-built Quaker Meeting House, in addition to shops and other town centre properties that date back over the centuries.
Farmers’ Market
The town is an ideal destination for shopping, offering a range of independent shops alongside high-street favourites. There is also parkland, riverside walks, and a range of leisure facilities to enjoy. It is easy to get to Hertford by car or public transport. Two railway stations serve the town with frequent services to London, making Hertford an ideal place to stay for visitors who wish to also explore the capital. The M25, A1(M), A10 and M11 are all easily accessible, and the town’s bus station is a destination for bus routes from around the county.
Events Programme Throughout the year, the Castle and its grounds play host to many community events including a rock festival, band concerts, open days and Castle Tours, all organised by Hertford Town Council and kindly supported by the Friends of Hertford Castle. Crowds having fun at Hertford Castle Hertford Town Guide
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Tourist Information
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
H
ertford Town and Tourist Information Centre is a service provided by Hertford Town Council and is your local one stop shop for information. The Town & Tourist Information Centre should be the first port of call for any visitor to historic Hertford. You will find a wide range of useful maps, guides and up-to-date information on all aspects of the County Town, including a free holiday brochure service, local bus timetables, events and attraction information, leaflets and books on walks and cycle routes, as well as tickets for local concerts and plays. On top of this, a well-stocked gift and souvenir shop provides something for everyone.
Tourist Information Open all year round: Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5pm Sundays and Bank holidays - Closed
Web: www.hertford.gov.uk/Tourist-
Where to Stay Finding the right place to stay is the key to an enjoyable trip. A friendly welcome awaits you with a range of accommodation both in and around Hertford. Contact the Tourist Information Centre for a copy of the local Accommodation Guide. The guide lists graded and non-graded properties to offer as wide a choice of guest accommodation as possible. Hertford Town Guide
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Hertfordshire’s most exciting audio visual experience
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Hertford Farmers’ Market
Every 2nd Saturday of the month Market Place, Hertford, 8.30am to 1pm Come along and meet the producers, find out recipe ideas and sample some of the produce MA
NABt Team Markhe e Year of t 2012
Finalist
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Shopping & Food
SHOPPERS’ DELIGHT
A
visit to Hertford for shopping offers a unique and varied experience. Its historic ambience provides the setting in which to explore many independent and specialist shops, alongside a range of well-known high-street names, many housed in historic buildings. There is a lively market every Saturday, together with a popular Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of every month.
Mr Simm’s Olde Sweet Shoppe
Farmers’ Market stall
Messages Shop
Beckwith’s Antiques
EATING OUT
W
hen the day is done and your thoughts turn to a relaxing night out with good food, a few drinks and some evening entertainment, you won’t be surprised to learn that the choice is endless. There are a number of eateries to choose from, including restaurants with a more intimate atmosphere for those special occasions. Every taste is catered for no matter what you enjoy. The vibrant, lively atmosphere of Hertford has made it one of the premier nightspots for Hertfordshire and North London.
The Salisbury Arms
Lussmanns
Serendipity
Baroosh Hertford Town Guide
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Hertford Castle
THE ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Hertford Castle and Grounds Hertford’s Castle is the best-known link with the town’s historic past - providing tangible evidence of Hertford’s many connections with England’s Kings and Queens (almost every monarch from Saxon times up to and including Queen Elizabeth I who died in 1603 is known to have visited it). The present appearance of the Castle owes much to the Marquess of Downshire in the 1780’s. He set out to transform the gatehouse into a mansion and erected new wings with gothic windows. Owned by the Cecil family, the Castle is now part of the far-flung Salisbury Estates, but has been leased to the town and
used as municipal offices and public gardens for much of the last century. Further information about the history of Hertford Castle is available in numerous publications/leaflets from the Town & Tourist Information Centre and Hertford Museum. The Grounds are open to the public all year round whilst the Castle building (Gatehouse) is open to the public during Open Days in the summer months. For a full programme of Open Days and Events at The Castle contact Hertford Town Council on 01992 552885.
Hertford Museum, Bull Plain Hertford Museum was founded in 1903 and offers a variety of events providing a fascinating visit for all ages. Permanent displays sit alongside a rolling programme of special exhibitions and events, and there is a Jacobean-style garden to be enjoyed in the warmer weather. Hertford Museum cares for an excess of 80,000 objects. The collections include archaeology, ephemera, ethnography, fine art,
geology, Hertfordshire Regiment, natural history, photographs and social history. They also hold the Addis company archive, including the largest collection of toothbrushes in the UK. The museum shop stocks a variety of items to cater for all tastes and interests, including photographs and prints relating to the local area. To find out more contact 01992 582686 or e-mail hertfordmuseum@btconnect.com. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm.
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The Absolute Musts
Hertford War Memorial, Parliament Square At the centre of the town of Hertford lies the Portland stone war memorial topped with its distinctive bronze hart. 482 individual servicemen and civilians, ranging from 4 to 60 years of age are commemorated here. The memorial was originally erected by public subscription on a site given by Sir Edward and Lady Pearson and it was unveiled on Sunday 6 November 1921 by the Mayor of Hertford, Alderman James Burnett Smith MB.
The memorial is built from the same Portland stone as the Cenotaph. The architect for the memorial was Sir Aston Webb, PRA and his son Maurice Webb; Sir Aston was the architect for a number of prominent buildings, including the principal façade of Buckingham Palace and the entrance façade of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The bronze hart was sculpted by Alfred Drury, RA, whose work can also be found at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Hertford Museum
War Memorial
ADDITIONAL PLACES OF INTEREST 1 Shire Hall, Fore Street
Built in 1769-71, this building is one of the landmarks of the town with its distinctive clock and Georgian architecture. Major repair and refurbishment took place in 1987-90 (Not open to the public).
2
The Seed Warehouse, Maidenhead Yard, The Wash
This historic building, restored by the Town Council, stores the Museum’s collections and houses a rare 4th century Roman Corn Dryer, originally discovered at Foxholes Farm (Not open to the public).
Shire Hall Hertford Town Guide
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ADDITIONAL PLACES OF INTEREST 3 Verger’s House, St Andrew Street
Now Beckwith’s Antique Shop was built around 1450 and restored in 1970. This timber-framed building is the oldest surviving domestic building in the town. 3
4 Friends Meeting House, Railway St.
This is the oldest purpose built Quaker Meeting House in the world, having been in continuous use since its erection in 1670. Quaker leaders George Fox and William Penn are known to have worshipped in this building.
Verger’s House
5 Lombard House, Bull Plain
Built in the 16th century and was once the home of Sir Henry Chauncy, the Hertfordshire historian whose great uncle, Charles Chauncy, was President of Harvard College 1654-1671. It is now the home of The Hertford Club (not open to the public). Lombard House
6 St Leonard’s Church, Bengeo
This virtually un-spoilt Norman village church was built around 1120. Interesting features include a Norman font, an Anchorite’s Cell and a 13th century wall painting of the deposition from the cross. St Leonard’s Church
Cowbridge (Biggles’ House)
7 Cowbridge
No 11 Cowbridge, Prince Albert Cottages and WE Johns (Biggles’ House), No 41 Cowbridge. Both are considered important to the town’s history. The cottages were built in 1864 following the designs of the model cottages put up for the Great Exhibition of 1851. They are one of the best surviving examples. W.E John’s childhood was spent at no 41, he was educated at Hertford Grammar School and became a WWI pilot. Later using his war experiences he began to write the famous “Biggles” books.
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HISTORIC WALK Find out more about the county town as you follow this trail. 11 6
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1. The White Hart
This splendid 17th century pub forms a corner of the Square named after the Marquess of Salisbury. In 1994 a water sculpture by William Pye called ‘Confluence’ was erected in Salisbury Square. This modern fountain represents the four rivers which flow into Hertford. These rivers are the Beane, Lea, Mimram and Rib.
2. Hertford Castle
Most people think of the Castle when they think of Hertford. The remaining Gatehouse was built in the 15th century the second on this site. On the east side a stone beside the path commemorates the first General Synod of the English Church which was held in 673.
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5. 11 St.Andrew Street
11 St. Andrew Street was the childhood home of Alfred Russel Wallace. Wallace was almost as famous as Charles Darwin. He once described Hertford as ‘one of the most pleasantly situated country towns in England’.
6. McMullen’s Brewery
McMullen and Sons Limited is recognised as one of the country’s leading independent brewers with an estate of 145 top quality pubs in Hertfordshire, Essex and London. The company was founded in Hertford in 1827 by Peter McMullen, great, great, great grandfather of the McMullens who run the present day company.
3. St. Andrew Street
St Andrew Street is worth admiring for the variety of its historic buildings. The most important is Beckwith’s Antique shop which was built in 1450 and restored in 1973. It was once the Verger’s house and along with no’s 58 & 60 nearly opposite, they are the oldest dwellings in Hertford still standing.
4. St. Andrew’s Church
Next to Beckwith’s is St.Andrew’s Church. While there has been a church with this name on the site since before the Norman Conquest, the building you see was built in 1869. Note the splendid spire.
McMullen’s Brewery
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Historic Walk
7. The Old Ford
Leading towards the river from Old Cross is St. Nicholas Lane. It is believed to be the original ford across the river which gave the town its name. Old Cross was the centre of Hertford in the 10th century. Nearby, across Mill Bridge you will see the prominent statue of Samuel Stone, the founder of Hartford, Connecticut in the USA.
12. The Friends Meeting House
The Friends Meeting House in Railway Street is the oldest of its kind in the world still used as a place of worship. Many original features survive. It is open to the public at certain times and concerts are held there regularly.
8. Shire Hall
The most impressive building in the centre of town is Shire Hall, once the administration offices for the County and Borough Councils and now the home of the Magistrates Courts. It was designed in 1769 by James Adam. The beautiful ballroom which graces the interior of Shire Hall is believed to be the setting for the regimental ball in Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Bluecoats
13. Bluecoats
9. Beadle House
Bull Plain takes its name from a large coaching inn demolished in the 1850’s and contains some fine buildings. Beadle House, of the Queen Anne period was one of the homes of the Dimsdale family who are still famous locally. Dr Thomas Dimsdale used the smallpox inoculation on the Russian Royal Court and was granted the title of Baron of all the Russians.
10. Hertford Museum
Although the building dates back to 1610 the frontage is 18th century. Explore the museum if you have time and discover to its rear a charming period garden. Hanging outside the museum is a sign from an old ironmongers dated 1798, made in the shape of keys.
Look at the two coloured figures above the gates to what was once Christ’s Hospital School. This establishment for children dates back to 1682, providing overspill education ‘for the recovery of their health by the benefit of the air’. The “parent” school was in Newgate Street, City of London. The figures are dressed in the traditional uniform for boys. From 1902 only girls were educated in Hertford until the Girls School joined the Boys school in Horsham in 1985.
14. All Saints
The Church of All Saints with St. John’s was burnt down in 1891. The present building is just over 100 years old. Notice the wrought iron gates on both sides of the new dual carriageway (Gascoyne Way) which were erected to enable the assize judge to process from the Church to the assize Court at the Shire Hall. The gates at the end of Church Street, which originally led into the churchyard, are 18th Century and from the Priory House, the home of Dr Dimsdale. They were a gift from Mr Purkiss-Ginn in 1963.
15. The Salisbury Arms 11. Folly Island
Folly Island
Across the bridge, surrounded by wharves and warehouses at the head of the canal, lays an area of Hertford known as Folly Island. The ‘island’ was called Bray’s Folly in 1766. It became an island when a millstream was dug through in the late 11th Century (now the course of the Lea Navigation). A popular pub, the Old Barge is on the island.
This is the elegantly decorated Salisbury Arms. The plaster work seen on the facade is called pargetting, and further examples can be seen on buildings opposite. Inside the hotel is a beautiful Jacobean staircase. Cromwell and Fairfax stayed here before putting down their own army mutiny in 1647. The Inn was built on a medieval plan, the original name was Bell & Three Cranes, but the Bell is written on the front of the building as the name before 1800. Hertford Town Guide
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Local Attractions
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Animals and Wildlife Lee Valley Park Farms 01992 892781 Traditional dairy and arable farms. Open everyday 10am - 5pm between the end of February and beginning of November
Willows Farm Village www.willowsfarmvillage.com 08701 299718 Open daily 10am - 5.30pm
Paradise Wildlife Park
Paradise Wildlife Park www.pwpark.com 01992 470490 Wooded animal park with railway and amusements. Open daily.
RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve
Lee Valley Farm Park
www.rspb.org.uk/ryemeads 01992 708383 Events, guided walks and family fun days throughout the year. Open every day (except Christmas and Boxing Day) 10am - 5pm.
Children’s Play Places Adventure Castle
Unit 7 Trident Industrial Estate Pindar Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 0WZ 01992 444 397 Open Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - 6pm Tuesday 9.30am - 3pm
Woody’s Playbarn
Westmill Farm, Ware, SG12 0ES 01920 462259 Woody’s is a family-run indoor children’s soft-play centre and party venue. Open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 4pm
Child at play
360 Stevenage
Unit 6, Stevenage Leisure Park, Kings Way, Stevenage, SG1 2UA 01438 365 744
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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Places to Visit Celtic Harmony Camp
www.celticharmony.org 01438 718543 Brickendon Lane, Brickendon near Hertford Hertfordshire, SG13 8NU At Celtic Harmony Camp, visitors experience first-hand how the people of the Celtic Iron Age, who lived over 2000 years ago, made food, clothes and shelter from the natural environment, whilst protecting natural habitats by harvesting in the traditional way.
Celtic Harmony Camp
Ware Museum
www.waremuseum.org.uk 01920 487848 Opening times: Summer (April - September) Tues, Thurs, Sat 11am - 5pm, Sun 2 - 5pm. Winter (October - March) Tues, Thurs, Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 2 - 4pm.
The Priory and Priory Gardens, Ware Ware Museum
Scott’s Grotto www.scotts-grotto.org www.eastherts.gov.uk 01920 464131 Remarkable folly of underground passages and chambers is decorated with flints, minerals, stones, pebbles and shells. The Forge Museum, Much Hadham www.hertsmuseums.org.uk 01279 843301 The Forge Museum is set in an attractive Grade II listed building situated in the picturesque village of Much Hadham. Originally a farmhouse of Moor Place, the earlier parts of the building date from the 15th century, Horseshoe Cottage and Forge Cottage date from the 16th century. Open April to mid Decemeber Fri, Sat, Sun (including bank holidays) 11am - 5pm.
www.warepriory.co.uk 01920 460316 The Priory was built as a Franciscan Friary in late 14th Century, and there are lawns and a public garden, Fisherman’s Walk along the River Lee and children’s play area.
Scott’s Grotto
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Local Attractions
Hatfield House
01707 287010 www.hatfield-house.co.uk Jacobean mansion built by Robert Cecil. Set in 1,500 acres of parkland. The Royal Palace of Hatfield (1497), the childhood home of Elizabeth I. Tudor banquets are held in the Old Palace. Open Easter Saturday - end of September.
Mill Green Museum
Mill Green Museum and Mill
Henry Moore Foundation
Henry Moore Foundation
01279 843333 www.henry-moore.org-fdn.co.uk email: visits@henry-moore.org-fdn.co.uk Visit the gardens, studios and galleries. An ever changing exhibition of Henry Moore’s work. The Foundation is open to the public from April until September by appointment.
Knebworth House
www.knebworthhouse.com 01438 812661 One of England’s most beloved stately homes, Knebworth House is famous worldwide for its rock concerts and as the home of Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer Lytton - author of the words “The pen is mightier than the sword” this beautiful gothic mansion is situated 29 miles north of London off the A1(M) at Stevenage.
www.welhat.gov.uk/museum museum@welhat.gov.uk (01707) 357850 Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5PD A seventeenth century working watermill and a museum, in an attractive riverside setting with displays on local history. The Welwyn Hatfield Museum Service is based here and holds the social history collection for the district.
Welwyn Roman Baths
www.welhat.gov.uk/museum email museum@welhat.gov.uk 01707 357850 Welwyn Bypass, Hertfordshire, AL6 9FG. Tunnel through time to the world of the Romans - with a visit to Welwyn Roman Baths. You can’t take a hot bath any more - the boiler went out about 1,800 years ago when the Romans left! The baths are open to the public from January to November.
Rye House Stadium
www.rye-house.co.uk 01992 451170 15th century moated building situated in Lee Valley Park. Marsh Bird Reserve, Go-kart centre and greyhound racing.
Knebworth House and Gardens Hertford Town Guide
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The The Salisbury Salisbury Arms Arms Hotel The Salisbury Arms Hotel, Hertford’s oldest hostelry, has Hotel been in the ownership of the Hertfordshire family brewers McMullen since 1891. The Salisbury Arms Hotel, Hertford’s oldest hostelry, has been in the ownership of the Hertfordshire family brewers The emphasis has always been on offering a warm and McMullen since 1891.
personal service in a friendly atmosphere. Guests may enjoy food, ales and and a The emphasis hasexcellent always been ontraditional offering a warm warm personal welcomeservice in surroundings retain all the in a friendly that atmosphere. Guests may enjoy excellent food, traditional ales and a charm of a bygone age. warm welcome in surroundings that retain all the charm A la carte and Table D’Hote menus available, of a bygone age.
in 50 seater restaurant. Two course D’Hote fullavailable, bar snack menu A laTable carte and Table£13.00 D’Hoteplus menus in 50 restaurant. available in seater all bars, 7 days a week. Two course Table D’Hote £11.95 plus full bar snack Fully air conditioned Function room available for menu Sunday available in all bars, 7 days a week. lunches, afternoon teas, private dinners, meetings. Fully air conditioned Function room available for Sunday 31 bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms, and coffee lunches, afternoon teas, private dinners, tea meetings. facilities, own carbathrooms, park at rear hotel. 31making bedrooms all with en suite teaofand coffee Allfacilities, rooms now refurbished. making own fully car park at rear of hotel.
Salisbury Arms Hotel Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1BZ Telephone: (01992)583091 Fax: (01992)552510 Email: salisburyarmshotel.hertford@mcmullens.co.uk Full Page Arms.indd bleed.indd 11 Salisbury
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Local Attractions
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Swimming Pools and Gyms Hartham Pool & Gym Hartham Lane, Hertford www.eastherts.gov.uk 01992 584000 Offers a range of recreation and sporting facilities, with a 25m competition pool, a diving pool, a warm water learner pool and a fitness room called ‘The Matrix ’ which is a 36 station Life Fitness Gym. Other outdoor activities include tennis courts, football pitches, Disabled facilities available.
Fitness and fun at a local swimming pool
Nuffield Health, Fitness & Wellbeing Membership required. Ware Road, Herts SG13 7WN www.nuffieldhealth.com 01992 584765
Haileybury Sports Complex Hertford Heath, SG13 7NU 01992 706299 25m swimming pool
Fanshawe Pool & Gym Work out in a Hertford gym
Park Road, Ware www.eastherts.gov.uk 01920 466967
Boating Lee Valley Boat Centre
Broxbourne, Herts 01992 462085 Pleasure trips and boat hire. Available all year round except November.
Day boats and cruises at Lee Valley Boat Centre Hertford Town Guide
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Local Attractions
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Cycling and Walking The Cole Green Way
Lee Valley Park
The Cole Green way is a rail trail which runs east-west from the eastern edge of Welwyn Garden City to Hertford in Hertfordshire. Part of National Cycle Network Route 61, and the Lea Valley Walk, it runs for more than six miles along a former Hertford, Luton and Dunstable branch line from Welwyn Garden City railway station to Hertford North station.
www.leevalleypark.org.uk 01992 702200 The Lee Valley walk is a 50 mile way marked route, following the River Lea from the Thames, via Hertford and Harpenden to Luton, through a variety of rural and urban landscapes. Includes Rye House, a 15th Century moated building.
Extract from the map of the Cole Green Way
Parks and Gardens Hartham Common
www.eastherts.gov.uk Extensive area of open public space set between Port Hill and the River Lea, provides an ideal place for walks and picnics. The Warren, a woodland walk also overlooks the park. In medieval times, Hartham, a splendid natural amphitheatre, was the scene of tournaments and archery contests.
Benington Lordship Gardens www.beningtonlordship.co.uk 01438 869668 In the village of Benington spanning seven acres on the site of a Norman castle which overlooks lakes and parkland.
Amwell Walkway, Nr Stanstead Abbots Interesting flowers and wildlife and a birdwatchers delight!
Castle Grounds www.hertford.gov.uk 01992 552885 Attractive well-kept public gardens on site of original Castle and moat, river, children’s play area and lawns. Interpretation panels with a brief history of Hertford Castle located in the grounds. Cole Green Way Map
A larger version of the Cole Green Way walking and cycling map is available from the Tourist Information Centre in Hertford.
Hertford Town Guide
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Town Twinning
TOWN TWINNING
H
ertford is twinned with two towns in Europe. For the Friends of Evron and the Friends of Wildeshausen, that means they have formed lasting relationships. Hertford became twinned with Evron, in France, in 1980. At the same time, Evron twinned with Wildeshausen. Hertford’s twinning with Wildeshausen followed in 1995, so there is now a triangle of friendship. Evron is a small town in the Mayenne, near Le Mans. It is in the centre of farming country. Over twenty years, many close friendships have been formed. Wildeshausen is just outside Bremen in North Germany. It is also in farming country with some residents commuting to Bremen and even
Samuel Stone was a 17th century Puritan Minister who, together with Thomas Hooker established the American town of Hartford, Connecticut, suitably named after Hertford, home to Samuel’s parents John and Sarah Stone who lived in Fore Street, Hertford at the time of their son’s birth in 1602. There are established links between Hertford and Hartford.
Wildehausen, Germany
Hamburg. There are many very active connections between both towns. One of the objects of twinning is the making of group contacts. Hertford’s Choral Society exchanges musical visits with both towns, the Baptist Church has close ties with a similar church in Wildeshausen. There have also been sporting, art and work-experience exchanges. One happy result of all the exchanges is the discovery that language is no barrier to friendship and it is a great help to learn that the French and Germans are often as shy about a foreign language as we are!
Historic Hertford is twinned with Wildehausen and Evron Hertford Town Guide
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Courtyard Arts
Highway Cycles
Hertford’s leading visual arts venue
Established in 1980, we stock a full range of men’s, ladies’ and children’s bike as well as a huge range of cycling apparel and accessories.
Gallery / Unique Gifts / Cafe Art Classes & Workshops Children’s Parties
2012 Scott CX Comp
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Thursday: 10am - 4pm Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 4pm
WARE 35 Amwell End Ware Herts SG12 9HP 01920 461448
steve@highway-cycles.demon.co.uk
Courtyard Arts & Community Centre
HERTFORD 9b Great Northern Works Hartham Lane Hertford, Herts SG14 1QW 01992 536 007
hertford@highwaycycles.co.uk
Port Vale Hertford Hertfordshire SG14 3AA T: 01992 509596 E: admin@courtyardarts.org.uk W: www.courtyardarts.org.uk Courtyard Arts & Community Centre is a registered charity Registered Charity Number: 104469
Hertford Optometry and Contact Lens Practice Optometrists: Ken Pullum FCOptom DipCLP Shima Shah BSc (Hons)
73 Railway Street, Hertford Hertfordshire SG14 1RP Tel: 01992 551762 Fax: 01992 501903 Email: kenpullum@btconnect.com
l Eye examinations and spectacle dispensing.
A corneal and a scleral contact lens. The large size of the scleral may improve stability and comfort giving advantages when contact lenses are needed most.
l All types of contact lenses. l Internationally recognised specialist centre for scleral
lens clinical practice and manufacture. l Applications for keratoconus, following ocular surgery
and other special indications.
Visit our websites: www.kenpullum.co.uk www.sclerals.com 28 Hertford Town Guide
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Events
EVENTS Throughout the year, Hertford has a lively cultural calendar, so why not plan your visit to coincide with one of the regular town events, festivals or markets? Castle
Hertford Castle & Grounds Annual Events include Castle Open Days, a Family Fun Day in June, Band Concerts, Rock at the Castle in August, Wedding Exhibitions. For a full programme of Open Days and Events at The Castle, contact Hertford Town Council on 01992 552885 or Hertford Town and Tourist Information on 01992 584322. www.hertford.gov.uk
bank holiday weekend with a musical mystery tour around the town.
Events
Hertford Dramatic & Operatic Society host a Theatre week at Hertford Theatre in April/May. Contact Hertford Theatre on 01992 531500 or HD & OS Secretary Joan Laidler on 01992 586010. Exhibitions Hertford, Art Society Exhibition Cowbridge Hall, Hertford. www.hertfordartsociety.co.uk Music Hertford Choral Society Concert Programme. For further information visit our website: www.choral-society.com or ring 01992 589730. County Show Second Bank Holiday Weekend in May. Contact Redbourne Showground on 01582 792626. Heritage weekend Usually commencing from the third Sat in September. Contact Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre.
Markets
Hertford Charter Market (Every Saturday). There is a Farmers’ Market every second Saturday in the month. Contact East Herts Council on 01279 655261.
Hertford’s annual Christmas Gala in November runs from 3.30pm – 7.30pm. There is a market, street entertainment, live music, late night shopping and the Mayor switches on the Christmas Lights.
Festivals
Beer Festivals Hertford Club - August each year (usually bank holiday), contact 01992 421422. The Old Cross Tavern contact 01992 583133. Music Festival Starts with Rock at the Castle and goes on through August and culminates on the August
For a programme of events contact Hertford Town & Tourist Information Centre or Hertford Town Council. Annual Events include Castle Open Days, a Carnival in June, Band Concerts and Rock at the Castle.
Hertford Town Guide
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HISTORICAL HERTFORD Read about some key historical moments in Hertford’s history.
912-914
King Alfred’s son Edward built a small wooden fortress on each side of the River Lea at Hertford when the county was split between English and Danish rule. The River Lea was the boundary between the two communities.
1304
King Edward I gave Hertford Castle to his second wife Margaret of France as a wedding gift and from that time forward Hertford Castle was frequently granted to their Queens by the Kings of England. Queen Isobella, Queen Joan and Queen Catherine all resided there.
1066-67
673
The first church Synod was held in Hertford. The Bishops of the English Kingdoms of East Anglia, Kent, Northumbria and Wessex met to determine the date of Easter. There is a memorial stone in the Castle Grounds marking the Hertford Synod mentioned by the Venerable Bede in his writings.
1463-65 1346
Hertford Castle became a prison for the first time when King David II of Scotland was kept there after his capture at the battle of Neville’s Cross.
Hertford Castle was built to guard the ford in the river. Hertford Castle became a key location in the barons’ struggle against King John, the bad brother of Richard the Lionheart who was made famous by the Robin Hood stories. When King John died, in 1216, the French decided to seize the English throne. The Dauphin, entered Hertford Castle after laying siege to it for 3 weeks, when it was recaptured. A system of selecting a body of Burgesses governing the Borough, with a Bailiff elected annually from among their number to represent the King, was introduced in the early 13th century. The Bailiff and Burgesses were the direct antecedents of the presentday Mayor and Town Council.
Having assumed the throne after King Henry’s defeat, King Edward IV rebuilt the gatehouse of Hertford Castle and gave it to his Queen, Elizabeth Woodville in 1464.
1441
King Henry VI granted a Charter to the Borough of Hertford confirming previous privileges and granting additional ones, including the order that no markets should be held within a seven-mile radius of the Town on Thursdays and Saturdays, which were Hertford’s market days.
1359
King John of France and his son, Prince Phillip, who had been captured at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356 by the Black Prince, were kept at Hertford Castle for four months.
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Historical Happenings
1628
King Charles I granted Hertford Castle to the second Earl of Salisbury, William Cecil. The Cecil family leased the Castle as a private residence to the Cowper family, amongst others.
1681
Charles II, having requested that Corporations should surrender their ancient charters for revision, issued a new Charter, extending the Borough boundaries and introducing various changes, including the right to carry a sword on ceremonial occasions. The Borough was administered under this Charter until the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835.
1772
Stephen Austin started the Hartford Mercury now known as the Hertfordshire Mercury, first from an office in Maidenhead Street, then from their iconic offices in Fore Street.
1605
James I granted a Charter in which the Borough was incorporated under the name of “The Mayor, Burgesses and Commonalty”, which placed yet more power in the hands of the Corporation without responsibility to the inhabitants in general.
s
e d
days
1702
Hertford’s Second County Gaol was built in Fore Street. Hangings took place at Gallows Hill.
1768 1647 1588
Queen Elizabeth granted a Charter to the Borough, authorising a weekly market to be held on a Saturday which has continued ever since.
Civil War brought division to the town. Cromwell and Fairfax had to quell a mutiny in the ‘Roundhead’ army, whilst encamped at Cockbush Field between Ware and Hertford.
A printer, Stephen Austin, came to town and founded the oldest printing firm still existing in the county.
Hertford Town Guide
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HISTORICAL HERTFORD 1858
A second railway line opened, running from a new station in Hartham Lane. The line ran via Hertingfordbury and Cole Green to join the Great Northern at Welwyn Junction initially. Passenger services were discontinued in 1951 and the line was used for goods until 1962 when it closed for good.
1780’s
The future Marquess of Downshire transformed the gatehouse into a mansion, rebuilding the old wings of the Castle and remaining part of the curtain wall. He also built a brick ice-house in the causeway between the two moats.
1833
Hertford Infirmary opens in North Road, later called Hertford County Hospital.
1827
1911
McMullens Brewery was established in Back (Railway) Street, later moving to Mill Bridge. A new brewery was built in Hartham Lane in 1891 and the Hope Brewery, Old Cross was taken over in 1920. The 1891 iconic building was taken over by Sainsburys and a superstore was opened in 2012. McMullens now operate from the former Hope site.
The Marquess of Salisbury leased The Castle to the town to be used as municipal offices and the Castle Grounds were opened to the public in 1912.
1806-9
The East India College was based at Hertford Castle before it moved to new buildings at Haileybury, and for a further nine years, the Castle served as a Preparatory School to the college, the Castle became a girls’ school for some years before reverting once again to a private residence.
1858
The Corn Exchange was built on the site of one of Hertford’s gaols, moving the corn market from underneath the Shire Hall arches.
Circa 1780
The Fore Street Gaol - site of the Present Corn Exchange, was transferred to Ware Road for 100 years. Hangings at Gallows Hill ceased early in the 19th Century and took place outside the Gaol then later within its precincts. After the Ware Road demolition the remains of executed prisoners, buried within the Gaol precincts, were re-interred in All Saints Churchyard.
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1843
Hertford’s first railway station was opened at the end of Railway Place, a new station, now known as Hertford East was built in 1888.
1914
A pageant commemorating 1000 years since the re building of the town by Edward the Elder, son of Alfred the Great was held in the Castle grounds over several days.
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Historical Happenings
1915
A Zeppelin raid destroyed houses in North Road and people were injured and killed when bombs were dropped in Bull Plain.
1964
The relief road named Gascoyne Way was built, necessitating the demolition of many buildings of historical interest and cutting across the churchyard of All Saints.
1964
A new Fire & Ambulance Station is built in Old London Road on the site of the former barracks.
1985
1919
Addis, famous for Wisdom toothbrushes and later household wares, established a factory in the Ware Road. They were a major employer in the town for over 70 years
Christ’s Hospital is closed when the pupils returned to Horsham. Tesco Supermarket opened on the site in 1989.
1946
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Late Queen Mother (Honorary Colonel) visited Hertford and reviewed at County Hall no less than three generations of the Hertfordshire Regiment.
1937
To commemorate the Coronation of King George VI the town was granted supporters for the Coat of Arms; two lions ermine, gorged in red now support the shield with the traditional hert lodged in water. The motto is “Pride in Our Past, Faith in Our Future”.
1993
The Cattle Market at Caxton Hill closes.
1974
1925
The Borough of Hertford became incorporated into East Herts District Council, on which it has 11 members. The town decided to retain its Town Council.
The York Herald presented a standard made of cream silk as a symbol of the Honor of Hertford to the Corporation in the Castle grounds. The Honor had been granted in 1304 but lapsed and was re-instated through the efforts of Mayor Josiah Wren.
1924
The Hertford Loop line to Kings Cross and the new Hertford north station opened. Hertford Town Guide
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USEFUL CONTACTS Churches/Chapels, Meeting Houses, Pharmacies and A&E All Saints’ Church All Saints’ Vicarage, Churchfields, Hertford SG13 8AE 01992 584899 vicar@allsaintshertford.org Bengeo Holy Trinity, The Rectory, Byde Street, Bengeo Hertford SG14 3BS 01992 413691 info@parishofbengeo.com Baptist Church, Cowbridge, Hertford www.hertfordbaptist.org.uk 01992 582951 Brethren’s Meeting Room, Nelson Street, Hertford 01992 582609 Christadelphian Ecclesia Meeting Room Sec. John Perryman 01920 830936 The Church of The Immaculate Conception and St Joseph (Roman Catholic) St John’s Street, Hertford 01992 582109 Friends Meeting House, Railway Street, Hertford - Society of Friends (Quakers) Neil Atkins 01992 586731 Clare Cooper, 01992 558862
Friends Meeting House
(Parish includes Little Amwell, Hertford Heath, Pinehurst and part of Foxholes Estate) Jehovah’s Witnesses, Kingdom Hall, 141 Hertingfordbury Road, Hertford 01920 831074 Methodist Church, Ware Road, Hertford 01992 583644 Sele Farm Church, Sele Farm Estate, Hertford Mrs Connie Moules 01992 303125
Hertford Town Church Hartham Lane, Hertford 01992 534816
St Andrew’s Church, St Andrew Street, Hertford 01992 582726 Email: standrews.hertford@btinternet.com
Holy Trinity Church, Little Amwell 01992 589147
United Reformed Church Cowbridge, Hertford 01992 553058 Co-operative Pharmacy 14 Maidenhead Street, Hertfordshire 01992 582083 Lloyds Pharmacy 7 St Andrew Street, Hertford 01992 582001 Sheffield Pharmacy 64 Fore Street, Hertford 01992 582965 Accident & Emergency Howlands Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL7 4HQ 01707 328111
St Andrew’s Church 34 Hertford Town Guide
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HISTORIC HANBURY MANOR
With 200 acres of picturesque parkland this classically English Jacobean–style mansion boasts a 5-star service ideal for business and pleasure. Relax in one of our 161 traditionally elegant, spacious bedrooms with many period features. 14 unique banqueting spaces including the original converted chapel Poles Hall . Choice of two restaurants including Zodiac winner of 2 AA Rosette or contemporary Oakes Grill overlooking the golf course. Traditional Afternoon tea is served in Oak Hall daily from 2pm. Play the prestigious PGA championship golf course or unwind in our luxurious health club that spoils you with a range of health & beauty treatments.
HANBURY MANOR, A MARRIOTT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD; Telephone: 01920 487 722; Website: MarriottHanburyManor.co.uk
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AA 5 Star with Rigsby’s Guest House Boutique 25 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1HZ. Tel: 01992 535999 www.rigsbysguesthouse.com
Trip advisor recommend award Rigsby’s Hertford guesthouse is offering first class accommodation in a beautifully appointed 18th century period property with superb facilities and luxurious bedrooms throughout. Although based minutes from the centre of Hertford, Rigsby’s Hertford guesthouse sits within in its own mews style grounds, giving a courtyard feel with its own secure and private entrance way and easy rear access to the adjacent car park. Full PageFeb bleed.indd Rigsbys 13.indd 1
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