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Occupied for thousands of years, the small town lies close to the central region of Hertfordshire. The Saxons referred to the settlement as Hetfelle, but by 970 AD the village was known as Haethfeld. At this time, the community belonged to the monastery Ely. Though only occupied by a population of 55 in 1086, the town's industries included two watermills. The settlement was renamed once again in 1226 and became known as Bishop's Hatfield. The Bishop constructed a palace in 1497. The king fancied the area and the palace would eventually become the childhood home to Elizabeth I and her brother Edward.
Hatfield now belonged to the Crown. The estate would later be given to Elizabeth and passed onto her agent William Cecil. The Cecil family descendants remain in the estate today. The Hatfield Airfield and Aircraft factory developed in 1930. The manufacturer designed various small planes for the military. The factory closed in 1993, but would become a location for various movies including the BBC's "Band of Brothers." Quite a few notable persons once called Hatfield home including famous romance novelist Barbara Cartland and folk singer Donovan.
Activities and Attractions
In 1611, the First Earl of Salisbury constructed an expansive Jacobean estate on the property of the Old Palace and the new structure came to be known as the Hatfield House. The property houses shops and a restaurant. The facility allows guests to tour the elegant home and Victorian gardens. The home is filled with historic decor and furnishings including paintings, sculptures and wood carvings. Visitors have the opportunity to view rare vintage armour, originally made during the reign of King Henry. the destination also has memorabilia belonging to Elizabeth I. The landscape includes a deer park, scented and herb gardens and topiary shrubbery. The home has been the scene for numerous films including "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" and "Tarzan, the Legend of Greystoke".
The Mill Green Museum and Mill has a functional 300 year old water mill used to grind grain into organic flour. The facility also has a natural history museum along with centuries old craft demonstrations. The museum also regularly hosts various art exhibits. Visitors may also tour ancient Roman baths unearthed on the property. The immense site might have been an elegant Roman villa at one time, but visitors now see what remains of ancient plumbing, which includes hot, cold and warm rooms.
Those looking to embark on a shopping adventure might try the Galleria. The site is home to over 80 boutiques, shops and restaurants.
Places to Stay and Dining
Local lodging options include an elegant medieval Italian mansion surrounded by over 40 hectares (100 acres) of landscaped gardens and woodlands. Treat that special someone with a touch of something extra that might include a bottle of champagne, flowers and gourmet chocolates waiting in the room.
Nando's is a local Portuguese restaurant serving a selection of traditional meals seasoned from mild to sizzling hot. Enjoy a flame grilled crispy chicken breast or a steak marinated in garlic and basted with Peri-Peri sauce. Along with the meat selection, visitors might choose from a list of salads and vegetables.
Accommodation in Hatfield
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