Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Hertford

Hertford is the historic county town of Hertfordshire, 3 miles from Ware, and on the River Lea. It is pronounced "Hartford".

Edward the Elder built a burgh here in the 10th century, and it was at one time a garrison for the Danish army.

Hertford Castle was originally built in about 1100, and King John of France was imprisoned here. A few fragments remain today, but the present castle was started about 1500, and is now used as council offices.

The Friends Meeting House is the oldest purpose-built one in the world, and dates from the 1670s.

The Shire Hall was built in 1769 by James Adam, brother of the better-known Robert.

There are many attractive old houses in the town.

Captain W. E. Johns, who wrote the Biggles books, was born at Hertford.

According to Alan Jay Lerner, in "The Rain in Spain" from "My Fair Lady", "in Hertford, Hereford and Hampshire hurricanes hardly happen".

Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Hertford for groups.