Hertford Town Guide 2013

Contents

Shopping • Eating Out • Local Attractions • Events • Map

Hertford TOWN GUIDE 2013

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3Hertford Town Guide

CONTENTS

Introduction to Hertford Tourist Information Centre Shopper’s Delight Eating Out ! e Absolute Musts Hertford Historic WalkMap Local Attractions Animals & WildlifeChildren’s Play PlacesPlaces of InterestWalking & Cycling Parks & Gardens Swimming Pools & Gyms Town Twinning EventsHistorical HighlightsUseful Contacts

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Published by ! ompson Media Partners Ltd. on behalf of Hertford Town CouncilPublisher Sean ! ompson 01954 267696 [email protected] Publishing Consultant Paul Gibson 01954 268129 [email protected]

Editor Chris Johnson [email protected] Designer Carla Keen [email protected] Manager Stewart Hedges 07595 894557 [email protected]

Additional photographs courtesy of Steve Beeston and Andrew Catterall

Farmers’ Market in Salisbury Square

Hertford Castle

Cycling in Lee Valley Park

Parliament Square ª

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Contents

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Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO HERTFORD

Hertford, 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.

! e town is an ideal destination for shopping, o" ering a range of independent shops alongside high-street favourites. ! ere 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. ! e 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

Crowds having fun at Hertford Castle

Hertford’s Famous Past Residents Hertford Castle Farmers’ Market

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.


Hertford Town Guide6

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Tourist Information

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre is a service provided by Hertford Town Council and is your

local one stop shop for information.! e Town & Tourist Information Centre

should be the " rst port of call for any visitor to historic Hertford. You will " nd 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, lea# ets 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.

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.

! e guide lists graded and non-graded properties to o$ er as wide a choice of guest accommodation as possible.

Tourist Information

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Hertford Farmers’ MarketEvery 2nd Saturday of the month

Market Place, Hertford, 8.30am to 1pmCome along and meet the producers, find out recipe ideas

and sample some of the produce

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Shopping & Food

SHOPPERS’ DELIGHT

A visit to Hertford for shopping o!ers 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. "ere is a lively market every Saturday, together with a popular Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of every month.

When 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. "ere 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. "e vibrant, lively atmosphere of Hertford has made it one of the premier nightspots for Hertfordshire and North London.

EATING OUT

Farmers’ Market stall

Messages ShopMr Simm’s Olde Sweet Shoppe

The Salisbury Arms

Lussmanns Serendipity Baroosh

Beckwith’s Antiques


10

HERTFORD’S HIGHLIGHTS

Hertford Town Guide

THE ABSOLUTE MUSTS

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 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 [email protected]. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm.

Hertford Castle and Grounds

Hertford Museum, Bull Plain

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The Absolute Musts

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).

The Seed Warehouse,

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).

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.

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ADDITIONAL PLACES OF INTEREST

Hertford Museum War Memorial

Maidenhead Yard, The Wash

Shire Hall

Hertford War Memorial, Parliament Square




ADDITIONAL PLACES OF INTEREST

Verger’s House, St Andrew Street Now Beckwith’s Antique Shop was built around 1450 and restored in 1970. !is timber-framed building is the oldest surviving domestic building in the town.

Friends Meeting House, Railway St.!is 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.

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 !e Hertford Club (not open to the public).

St Leonard’s Church, Bengeo !is 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.

CowbridgeNo 11 Cowbridge, Prince Albert Cottages and WE Johns (Biggles’ House), No 41 Cowbridge. Both are considered important to the town’s history. !e cottages were built in 1864 following the designs of the model cottages put up for the Great Exhibition of 1851. !ey 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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Verger’s House

Lombard House

St Leonard’s Church

Cowbridge (Biggles’ House)


Hertford Town Guide 13

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14


Hertford Town Guide

HISTORIC WALK

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. !e company was founded in Hertford in 1827 by Peter McMullen, great, great, great grandfather of the McMullens who run the present day company.

1. The White Hart !is 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 ‘Con"uence’ was erected in Salisbury Square. !is modern fountain represents the four rivers which "ow into Hertford. !ese rivers are the Beane, Lea, Mimram and Rib.

2. Hertford Castle Most people think of the Castle when they think of Hertford. !e remaining Gatehouse was built in the 15th century the second on this site. On the east side a stone beside the path commemorates the #rst General Synod of the English Church which was held in 673.

3. St. Andrew Street St Andrew Street is worth admiring for the variety of its historic buildings. !e 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.

Find out more about the county town as you follow this trail.

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.

8. Shire Hall !e most impressive building in the centre of town is Shire Hall, once the administration o"ces for the County and Borough Councils and now the home of the Magistrates Courts. It was designed in 1769 by James Adam. !e 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’.

9. Beadle HouseBull Plain takes its name from a large coaching inn demolished in the 1850’s and contains some #ne buildings. Beadle House, of the Queen Anne period was one of the homes of the Dimsdale family who are still famous locally. Dr !omas 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.

11. Folly IslandAcross the bridge, surrounded by wharves and warehouses at the head of the canal, lays an area of Hertford known as Folly Island. !e ‘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.

12. The Friends Meeting House!e 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.

13. BluecoatsLook at the two coloured #gures above the gates to what was once Christ’s Hospital School. !is establishment for children dates back to 1682, providing overspill education ‘for the recovery of their health by the bene#t of the air’. !e “parent” school was in Newgate Street, City of London. !e #gures 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!e Church of All Saints with St. John’s was burnt down in 1891. !e 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. !e 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. !ey were a gift from Mr Purkiss-Ginn in 1963.

15. The Salisbury Arms!is is the elegantly decorated Salisbury Arms. !e 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. !e Inn was built on a medieval plan, the original name was Bell & !ree Cranes, but the Bell is written on the front of the building as the name before 1800.

Bluecoats

Folly Island






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Local Attractions

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Paradise Wildlife Parkwww.pwpark.com 01992 470490 Wooded animal park with railway and amusements. Open daily.

RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reservewww.rspb.org.uk/ryemeads01992 708383Events, guided walks and family fun days throughout the year.Open every day (except Christmas and Boxing Day) 10am - 5pm.

Lee Valley Park Farms 01992 892781Traditional dairy and arable farms. Open everyday 10am - 5pm between the end of February and beginning of NovemberWillows Farm Villagewww.willowsfarmvillage.com 08701 299718Open daily 10am - 5.30pm

Adventure CastleUnit 7 Trident Industrial Estate Pindar Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 0WZ01992 444 397Open Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - 6pmTuesday 9.30am - 3pm

Woody’s PlaybarnWestmill Farm, Ware, SG12 0ES01920 462259Woody’s is a family-run indoor children’s soft-play centre and party venue. Open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 6pmSunday 10am - 4pm

Paradise Wildlife Park

Lee Valley Farm Park

360 StevenageUnit 6, Stevenage Leisure Park, Kings Way, Stevenage, SG1 2UA01438 365 744

Child at play

Animals and Wildlife

Children’s Play Places


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Hertford Town Guide

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Ware Museum www.waremuseum.org.uk 01920 487848Opening times: Summer (April - September) Tues, !urs, Sat 11am - 5pm, Sun 2 - 5pm.Winter (October - March) Tues, !urs, Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 2 - 4pm. The Priory and Priory Gardens, Ware www.warepriory.co.uk 01920 460316 !e 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.

Celtic Harmony Campwww.celticharmony.org01438 718543 Brickendon Lane, Brickendon near Hertford Hertfordshire, SG13 8NUAt Celtic Harmony Camp, visitors experience "rst-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.

Places to Visit

Celtic Harmony Camp

Scott’s Grottowww.scotts-grotto.org www.eastherts.gov.uk 01920 464131Remarkable folly of underground passages and chambers is decorated with #ints, minerals, stones, pebbles and shells.

The Forge Museum, Much Hadham www.hertsmuseums.org.uk01279 843301!e 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.

Ware Museum

Scott’s Grotto


Hertford Town Guide

Local Attractions

21

Celtic Harmony Camp

Mill Green Museum and Mill www.welhat.gov.uk/museum [email protected](01707) 357850Bush Hall Lane, Mill Green, Hat!eld, Hertfordshire, AL9 5PDA seventeenth century working watermill and a museum, in an attractive riverside setting with displays on local history. "e Welwyn Hat!eld Museum Service is based here and holds the social history collection for the district.

Welwyn Roman Baths www.welhat.gov.uk/museum email [email protected] 357850Welwyn 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! "e baths are open to the public from January to November.

Hatfield House 01707 287010 www.hat!eld-house.co.ukJacobean mansion built by Robert Cecil. Set in 1,500 acres of parkland. "e Royal Palace of Hat!eld (1497), the childhood home of Elizabeth I. Tudor banquets are held in the Old Palace. Open Easter Saturday - end of September.

Henry Moore Foundation01279 843333www.henry-moore.org-fdn.co.uk email: [email protected] Visit the gardens, studios and galleries. An ever changing exhibition of Henry Moore’s work. "e Foundation is open to the public from April until September by appointment.

Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com 01438 812661One 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 “"e pen is mightier than the sword” - this beautiful gothic mansion is situated 29 miles north of London o# the A1(M) at Stevenage.

Mill Green Museum

Rye House Stadium www.rye-house.co.uk01992 451170 15th century moated building situated in Lee Valley Park. Marsh Bird Reserve, Go-kart centre and greyhound racing. Scott’s Grotto

Henry Moore Foundation

Knebworth House and Gardens


TheSalisburyArmsHotel

Salisbury Arms HotelFore Street, Hertford SG14 1BZ

Telephone: (01992)583091 Fax: (01992)552510Email: [email protected]

The Salisbury Arms Hotel, Hertford’s oldest hostelry, hasbeen in the ownership of the Hertfordshire family brewers

McMullen since 1891.

The emphasis has always been on offering a warm and personal service in a friendly atmosphere.

Guests may enjoy excellent food, traditional ales and awarm welcome in surroundings that retain all the charm

of a bygone age.

A la carte and Table D’Hote menus available, in 50 seater restaurant.

Two course Table D’Hote £11.95 plus full bar snack menuavailable in all bars, 7 days a week.

Fully air conditioned Function room available for Sundaylunches, afternoon teas, private dinners, meetings.

31 bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms, tea and coffeemaking facilities, own car park at rear of hotel.

The Salisbury Arms Hotel, Hertford’s oldest hostelry, hasbeen in the ownership of the Hertfordshire family brewers

McMullen since 1891.The emphasis has always been on offering a warm and

personal service in a friendly atmosphere. Guests may enjoy excellent food, traditional ales and a

warm welcome in surroundings that retain all the charm of a bygone age.

A la carte and Table D’Hote menus available, in 50 seater restaurant.

Two course Table D’Hote £13.00 plus full bar snack menu available in all bars, 7 days a week.

Fully air conditioned Function room available for Sunday lunches, afternoon teas, private dinners, meetings.

31 bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, own car park at rear of hotel.

All rooms now fully refurbished.

The Salisbury Arms Hotel

Salisbury Arms.indd 1 15/02/2013 14:23Full Page bleed.indd 1 19/02/2013 12:51


Local Attractions

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Nuffield Health, Fitness & WellbeingMembership required. Ware Road, Herts SG13 7WNwww.nu!eldhealth.com 01992 584765

Haileybury Sports ComplexHertford Heath, SG13 7NU01992 706299 25m swimming pool

Fanshawe Pool & GymPark Road, Warewww.eastherts.gov.uk 01920 466967

Hartham Pool & GymHartham Lane, Hertfordwww.eastherts.gov.uk 01992 584000 O"ers a range of recreation and sporting facilities, with a 25m competition pool, a diving pool, a warm water learner pool and a #tness room called ‘$e Matrix ’ which is a 36 station Life Fitness Gym. Other outdoor activities include tennis courts, football pitches, Disabled facilities available.

Swimming Pools and Gyms

Boating

Lee Valley Boat CentreBroxbourne, Herts 01992 462085 Pleasure trips and boat hire.Available all year round except November.

Fitness and fun at a local swimming pool

Work out in a Hertford gym

Day boats and cruises at Lee Valley Boat Centre




Local Attractions

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Cole Green Way Map

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

The Cole Green Way ! e 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.

Lee Valley Park www.leevalleypark.org.uk 01992 702200! e Lee Valley walk is a 50 mile way marked route, following the River Lea from the ! ames, via Hertford and Harpenden to Luton, through a variety of rural and urban landscapes. Includes Rye House, a 15th Century moated building.

Cycling and Walking

Parks and Gardens

Hartham Common www.eastherts.gov.ukExtensive area of open public space set between Port Hill and the River Lea, provides an ideal place for walks and picnics. ! e 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 869668In 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 " owers and wildlife and a birdwatchers delight! Castle Groundswww.hertford.gov.uk01992 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 MapCole Green Way Map

A larger version of the Cole Green Way

walking and cycling map is available from the

Tourist Information Centre in Hertford.

Extract from the map of the Cole Green Way


19 stoneAndy and Emily have lost

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Town Twinning

TOWN TWINNING

Hertford 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

Hartford, Connecticut

Hamburg. ! ere 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. ! ere 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!

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.

Historic Hertford is twinned with Wildehausen and Evron

Wildehausen, Germany



Courtyard ArtsHertford’s leading visual arts venue

Opening Hours Tuesday - Thursday: 10am - 4pm Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Courtyard Arts & Community CentrePort Vale Hertford Hertfordshire SG14 3AA T: 01992 509596 E: [email protected] W: www.courtyardarts.org.uk

Courtyard Arts & Community Centre is a registered charityRegistered Charity Number: 104469

Gallery / Unique Gifts / Cafe

Art Classes & Workshops

Children’s Parties

WARE35 Amwell EndWareHertsSG12 9HP01920 [email protected]

HERTFORD9b Great Northern WorksHartham LaneHertford, HertsSG14 1QW01992 536 [email protected]

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.

Highway Cycles

2012 Scott CX Comp

73 Railway Street, HertfordHertfordshire SG14 1RPTel: 01992 551762 Fax: 01992 501903Email: [email protected]

l Eye examinations and spectacle dispensing.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.

Hertford Optometry and Contact Lens Practice Optometrists: Ken Pullum FCOptom DipCLP

Shima Shah BSc (Hons)

Visit our websites: www.kenpullum.co.uk www.sclerals.com

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.

p28.indd 8 15/02/2013 12:48


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?

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.

CastleHertford 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 ! e Castle, contact Hertford Town Council on 01992 552885 or Hertford Town and Tourist Information on 01992 584322. www.hertford.gov.uk

Markets Hertford Charter Market (Every Saturday). ! ere is a Farmers’ Market every second Saturday in the month. Contact East Herts Council on 01279 655261.

Festivals Beer FestivalsHertford Club - August each year (usually bank holiday), contact 01992 421422. ! e Old Cross Tavern contact 01992 583133.

Music Festival Starts with Rock at the Castle and goes on through August and culminates on the August

bank holiday weekend with a musical mystery tour around the town.

EventsHertford Dramatic & Operatic Society host a ! eatre week at Hertford ! eatre in April/May. Contact Hertford ! eatre 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.

Hertford’s annual Christmas Gala in November runs from 3.30pm – 7.30pm. ! ere is a market, street entertainment, live music, late night shopping and the Mayor switches on the Christmas Lights.


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Hertford Town Guide

HISTORICAL HERTFORD

673 !e "rst church Synod was held in Hertford. !e Bishops of the English Kingdoms of East Anglia, Kent, Northumbria and Wessex met to determine the date of Easter. !ere is a memorial stone in the Castle Grounds marking the Hertford Synod mentioned by the Venerable Bede in his writings.

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. !e River Lea was the boundary between the two communities.

1066-67 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. !e 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 Baili# elected annually from among their number to represent the King, was introduced in the early 13th century. !e Baili# and Burgesses were the direct antecedents of the present-day Mayor and Town Council.

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.

1346 Hertford Castle became a prison for the "rst time when King David II of Scotland was kept there after his capture at the battle of Neville’s Cross.

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.

1441 King Henry VI granted a Charter to the Borough of Hertford con"rming previous privileges and granting additional ones, including the order that no markets should be held within a seven-mile radius of the Town on !ursdays and Saturdays, which were Hertford’s market days.

1463-65 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.

Read about some key historical moments in Hertford’s history.



Historical Happenings

1441 King Henry VI granted a Charter to the Borough of Hertford con!rming previous privileges and granting additional ones, including the order that no markets should be held within a seven-mile radius of the Town on "ursdays and Saturdays, which were Hertford’s market days.

1588 Queen Elizabeth granted a Charter to the Borough, authorising a weekly market to be held on a Saturday which has continued ever since.

1605 James I granted a Charter in which the Borough was incorporated under the name of “"e Mayor, Burgesses and Commonalty”, which placed yet more power in the hands of the Corporation without responsibility to the inhabitants in general.

1628 King Charles I granted Hertford Castle to the second Earl of Salisbury, William Cecil. "e Cecil family leased the Castle as a private residence to the Cowper family, amongst others.

1647 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.

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. "e Borough was administered under this Charter until the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835.

1768 A printer, Stephen Austin, came to town and founded the oldest printing !rm still existing in the county.

1702 Hertford’s Second County Gaol was built in Fore Street. Hangings took place at Gallows Hill.

1772 Stephen Austin started the Hartford Mercury now known as the Hertfordshire Mercury, !rst from an o#ce in Maidenhead Street, then from their iconic o#ces in Fore Street.




HISTORICAL HERTFORD

Circa 1780 !e 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.

1780’s !e 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.

1806-9 !e 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.

1827 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. !e 1891 iconic building was taken over by Sainsburys and a superstore was opened in 2012. McMullens now operate from the former Hope site.

1833 Hertford In"rmary opens in North Road, later called Hertford County Hospital.

1843Hertford’s "rst railway station was opened at the end of Railway Place, a new station, now known as Hertford East was built in 1888.

1858 !e Corn Exchange was built on the site of one of Hertford’s gaols, moving the corn market from underneath the Shire Hall arches.

1858 A second railway line opened, running from a new station in Hartham Lane. !e 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.

1911 !e Marquess of Salisbury leased !e Castle to the town to be used as municipal o#ces and the Castle Grounds were opened to the public in 1912.

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.



Historical Happenings

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.

1915 A Zeppelin raid destroyed houses in North Road and people were injured and killed when bombs were dropped in Bull Plain.

1919 Addis, famous for Wisdom toothbrushes and later household wares, established a factory in the Ware Road. !ey were a major employer in the town for over 70 years

1924 !e Hertford Loop line to Kings Cross and the new Hertford north station opened.

1925 !e York Herald presented a standard made of cream silk as a symbol of the Honor of Hertford to the Corporation in the Castle grounds. !e Honor had been granted in 1304 but lapsed and was re-instated through the e"orts of Mayor Josiah Wren.

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. !e motto is “Pride in Our Past, Faith in Our Future”.

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.

1964 !e 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.

1974 !e Borough of Hertford became incorporated into East Herts District Council, on which it has 11 members. !e town decided to retain its Town Council.

1985 Christ’s Hospital is closed when the pupils returned to Horsham. Tesco Supermarket opened on the site in 1989.

1993 !e Cattle Market at Caxton Hill closes.


34


Hertford Town Guide

USEFUL CONTACTS

All Saints’ ChurchAll Saints’ Vicarage, Church! elds, Hertford SG13 8AE 01992 [email protected]

Bengeo Holy Trinity, " e Rectory, Byde Street, Bengeo Hertford SG14 3BS01992 413691 [email protected]

Baptist Church, Cowbridge, Hertfordwww.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

Hertford Town ChurchHartham Lane, Hertford 01992 534816

Holy Trinity Church, Little Amwell01992 589147

(Parish includes Little Amwell, Hertford Heath, Pinehurst and part of Foxholes Estate)

Jehovah’s Witnesses, Kingdom Hall,141 Hertingfordbury Road, Hertford01920 831074

Methodist Church, Ware Road, Hertford01992 583644

Sele Farm Church, Sele Farm Estate, HertfordMrs Connie Moules 01992 303125

St Andrew’s Church, St Andrew Street, Hertford 01992 582726 Email: [email protected]

United Reformed ChurchCowbridge, Hertford 01992 553058

Churches/Chapels, Meeting Houses, Pharmacies and A&E

St Andrew’s Church

Friends Meeting House

Co-operative Pharmacy 14 Maidenhead Street, Hertfordshire 01992 582083

Lloyds Pharmacy7 St Andrew Street, Hertford 01992 582001 Sheffi eld Pharmacy64 Fore Street, Hertford 01992 582965

Accident & EmergencyHowlands Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL7 4HQ 01707 328111


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


Trip advisor recommend award

Rigsby’s Hertford guesthouse is o� ering � rst class accommodation in a beautifully appointed 18th century period property with superb facilities and luxurious bedrooms throughout.

AA 5 Star with Rigsby’s Guest House Boutique 25 St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1HZ. Tel: 01992 535999

www.rigsbysguesthouse.com

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.

Rigsbys Feb 13.indd 1 31/01/2013 10:32Full Page bleed.indd 1 15/02/2013 12:43

Documents

Hertford Town Guide 2013