Hertfordshire

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This county has a population of around 955,000) and covers an area of 631 square miles (1,634 sq km). It is located in East Central England and is bounded to the North by Cambridgeshire, East by Essex, South by Middlesex, West by Bucks, and to the North West by Bedfordshire. The county seat is Hertford.

Geography

The countryside is level but there is an extension of the Chiltern Hills in the northwest. The main rivers that drain the county are the Lea, the Colne, and the Ivel. Geologically the greater part of Herts consists, of Lower, Middle, and Upper Chalk with London Clay in the South. The main centres of population are Borehamwood, Berkhamsted, Bishops Stortford, Borehamwood, Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Letchworth, Potters Bar, Royston, Rickmansworth, Stevenage, St Albans, Tring, Watford, Welwyn Garden City.

Industry

Hertfordshire is an agricultural region, producing large quantities of arable and diary produce as well as vegetables, and flowers for the London market. There are many different industries, such as brick making around the clay pits, printing, brewing (especially in Watford), papermaking, and engineering. Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, and St. Albans are important urban centres.

History

Archaeological relics back to the early Stone Age, although it was the Romans that have left a more lasting impression. Romano-celtic occupation ended in the fifth century with the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons. The Saxon Kings built towns such as Hertford as fortresses in the struggle against the Danes. Over the centuries, proximity to London made the county a popular retreat for the nobility, whose grand homes often welcomed visiting royalty. During the industrial revolution the county saw a spectacular growth of population.

Places of Interest

Anstey Castle, Ashridge, Ashwell Bury, Benington Castle, Berkhamsted Castle, Bishop's Stortford Castle, Brocket Hall, Buntingford Manor House, Cassiobury House, Childwickbury Manor, Digswell Arts Trust, Hatfield House, Hertford Castle, Hinxworth Place, Knebworth House, Langleybury, Moor Park (house), Putteridge Bury, Red House, Royal National Rose Society Gardens, Shaw's Corner, Sopwell House, St Albans Abbey, St Albans Cathedral, Stocks House, The Frythe, Theobalds House, Tring Park, Verulamium, Wrotham Park.