Welcome to Hertford

Hertford, the county town of Hertfordshire, is located on the River Lea, approximately 20 miles north of London and 10 miles west of Harlow.

The town has a population of around 22,000. Administratively it is within the local government district of East Hertfordshire which covers an area of approximately 475 sq kms.

It is an attractive town of predominantly Georgian and Victorian architecture which has remained largely unspoilt by modern development. The county town since before 1066 it has an ancient heritage and retains some notable historic buildings, including the 15th-century timber-framed Old Vergers House, and the oldest purpose-built Quaker Meeting House in the world, in use since 1670. Its good transport links and proximity to London have made it a popular residential base for commuters working in the capital.

The town's history dates back to Roman times. In 673AD, the first General Synod of the English Church was held here by the Archbishop of Canterbury.The area was captured by the Danes during the 9th century. Edward, son of Alfred the Great, founded two fortresses here on either side of the River Lea during the 10th century. The castle, built by the Normans, was a royal residence for over 300 years, but today only the gatehouse, motte and part of the walls remain. The Priory was built in 1087 by Ralph de Limesi, but was dismantled in 1536 during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. With its royal presence and thriving agricultural trade Hereford prospered. The English parliament temporarily moved to Hertford during the Great Plague in 1563.  In 1669 a Quaker Meeting House was founded by George Fox and was visited by WIlliam Penn, who later went to America and founded Pennysylvania. Still standing today, it is the oldest Quaker meeting house in the world. The River Lea navigation in 1767 brought the river through the town providing easy access to London's corn markets.

Historically the town's economy was based upon agriculture. Today Hertford is principally a commuter town for London, with rail links from Hertford North to London King's Cross and Moorgate stations, and from Hertford East to London Liverpool Street. The latter is by far the older link but is now slower and less frequent. Employment in the town is centred on County Hall (Hertfordshire County Council), Wallfields (East Hertfordshire District Council) and McMullen's Brewery, one of a dwindling number of independent brewers in the UK.

The name Hertford is from the Anglo Saxon 'herot' and 'ford', meaning 'the ford frequented by harts or stags'. In 731 the town was recorded as Herutford, and in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Hertforde.