We have compiled a list of Historic Heritage Sites in Hertfordshire to visit during your stay. We hope the information about the history sites in Hertfordshire helps you with your holiday planning.
1. Hatfield House - Hatfield, Herfordshire, AL9 5NQ - Tel No: 01707 287010
Built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, who was the Chief Minister to King James I, this house was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I. Tours are available throughout the week of certain rooms and guided tours are on Fridays. Guests can also explore the 42-acre gardens which include orchards, fountains, water parterres and a maze. The house has been shot for many films including the "Lara Croft" films, "Batman" and "Batman Returns", "Shakespeare in Love" and "Elizabeth."
2. The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban - St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 1BY - Tel No: 01727 860780
The first martyr, Alban, died giving his life for the Christian faith where the cathedral now stands. Construction began in 1077, making it the oldest site of Christian worship in Britain. The cathedral overlooks a medieval orchard, a lake, and the ancient Roman city, Verulamium. Admission is free. Visitors can see beautiful relics and wall paintings alongside a 15th-century humorous piece depicting everyday life. One bell remains of the set cast in 1290, the rest are from the 17th century.
Hertford Castle is located in Hertford, only 25 miles north of London, along the River Lea. It is a beautiful historic location that was the original grounds of a Norman Castle, but all that remains of it is a single mound of grass. The Gatehouse, which was built in the 1400's, is the major attraction. Meetings, seminars and even weddings take place there. The castle holds events year-round, including Family Fun Day, Summer band concerts and Castle Gatehouse Open Days.
Devil's Dyke dates back to the Iron Ages. Some archaeological digs suggest that once, it had a 13 meter depth and certain excavations make archaeologists believe it was settled by Belgae (a group of tribes from the third century BC) invaders. They think it was a defensive ditch built to protect the Catuvellani Tribe. Today, inscribed stone plaques stand at the entrance, depicting the coronation of King George VI. They were set in place by Lord Brocket.
Berkhamsted Castle is all that remains of a Norman fortified castle from the 11th century. It was inhabited until 1495. Today, the ruins are open to visitors, free of charge. The remains include several tower bases, both baileys, the gatehouse and the outer ward. The keeper's house is at the foreground of the ruins. Visitors can see what are believed to be the original layout of the castle.
6. Shaw's Corner - Ayot St Lawrence, near Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9BX - Tel No: 01438 829221
Poet George Bernard lived here for forty years. Much of the house remains as he left it, displaying his personal effects and his literary achievements. Guests can also see the writing hut that is in the garden. Visitors are able to picnic in the garden or the orchard, as well. It is open to the public for a small fee between April and November. It is an excellent depiction of middle class life in England during World War II.
This postmill was built in the 17th century. It is the earliest type of mill built in England, and the only of its kind open to the public today. The mill is one story high and made entirely of oak. Visitors can learn about the restoration process of this mill and about what happened to other postmills in the country. Guests can also take a tour of the mill and learn how the mill used to ground corn into grain.
