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Located at the northern tip of Hertfordshire, the town grew around the crossroads, which were two roads constructed and used by the Roman military. A large boulder bearing a cross (royses) and positioned at the intersection subsequently became the name of the village. During the early 1200s, the monastery established the St. John's and St. Nicholas hospitals for local lepers. A prior hospital had already been established. The priory contained multiple canons, which possibly exceeded seven orders. When the monastic charter was dissolved by the king, the land became the property of Robert Chester, a servant to the king. The town was largely agricultural, but had a coal mine, brick and clay works industries.
The roads were popular routes for people travelling between London and York, which encouraged coaching inn development. The Scottish king, James I, visited the area for the purpose of hunting. Enthralled with the local deer park, the monarch stayed in the manor house for one year before constructing his own hunting lodge. By the mid 1600s, the royals lost interest in the territory and visited the area less frequently. By 1866, the royals sold all interests and properties in Royston. Visitors might see a black crow used symbolically throughout town. This tradition began when locals brawled with Cromwell sympathisers who consequently retorted by calling the Roystonians crows. Ever since the skirmish, sports teams and other organisations proudly wear the Royston Crow.
Activities and Attractions
Walking around the town, visitors more than likely see the old Tudor houses displaying large timbers and jetting second story floors. The remains of the Old Palace, formerly King James' hunting lodge, remains on Kneestreet, but now houses a fish and chips restaurant. The ancient stone boulder once bearing the namesake cross of Royston remains in the middle of the village.
The St. John the Baptist Church still stands from the priory established sometime after 1164. A tower and other additions were incorporated into the structure, but the nave contains medieval painted texts. The Lady Chapel and Sacristy windows also contain remnants of medieval glass.
The first priory is now covered with a WWII memorial commemorating the American Airmen who served with British troops. The location, known as the Priory Gardens, contains vast green lawns and flowering gardens.
The Royston & District Museum and Art Gallery houses different exhibits. Visitors have the opportunity to view artefacts from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. Learn the history of Royston and the evolution of electronic gadgetry with exhibits that include a Victorian projector called the "magic lantern."
Below Melbourne Street lies the mysterious manmade Royston Cave. Who carved the bell shaped cavern and for what purpose remains a mystery. Inside, visitors find numerous wall-to-wall carvings that include a depiction of the Cruicifixion, the Holy Family and many saints.
Places to Stay and Dining
Lodging opportunities in the city include old English mill houses. Strolling around the property of one of these renovated estates provides the benefit of fragrant English gardens and picture perfect views of the passing waterways.
The Dish restaurant provides guests with an elegant, but affordable dining experience. Starters include smoked salmon and crayfish with cream cheese on melba toast. Main course options include fillet of Mackerel with new potato salad, green beans and shallot/lemon dressing.
Accommodation in Royston
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