Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire
Berkhamsted is a bustling market town in the Chiltern Hills between the towns of Tring and Hemel Hempstead. Boasting many historic and literary connections, the town has many sites of interest including a ruined Norman Castle, the Town Hall, and the Grand Union canal which runs from London to Birmingham.
Berkhamsted Castle
Berkhamsted has a population of around 19,000 and from its original name, Berghamstedt, meaning ‘the town amongst the hills, appears to be of Saxon origin. The name of the town has been spelt in many ways over the years; up to 50 different versions have been identified since the Domesday Book. These include; Berkhampstead, Berk Hempstead, Muche Barkhamstede, Berkhamsted Magna and Great Berkhamsted.
Historic Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted is a vibrant town set in a valley of the Chiltern Hills with a history going back to before Saxon times. It has many claims to fame including strong royal, literary and teaching connections.
It was outside the Saxon fort that later became Berkhamsted castle that William the Conqueror was finally handed the English crown after defeating Harold at Hastings in 1066. The castle was rebuilt in stone in the late 11th century and became a favourite residence of Norman and Plantagenet Monarchs. Kings Henry III and Richard III both spent much time here. The castle was also chosen for the honeymoon of Edward, the Black Prince in 1361. Other famous residents included Geoffrey Chaucer and Thomas A Beckett. It remained a Royal castle until 1495. The substantial earthworks on which the Norman castle was built still remain after a thousand years.
There are many attractive and historic buildings in the High Street and town centre. Berkhamsted Town Council has planned a 'Berkhamsted Heritage Walk', leaflets are available locally. This walk takes a tour through the town via the 32 blue plaques that have recently been installed on some of the town's most significant buildings.
Berkhampstead School was founded in 1541, by John Incent, Dean of St Pauls Cathedral. The school has an uninterrupted, though varied history and enjoys a good reputation as a public school today. The original school was housed in a fine Tudor building on the north side of the church yard of St Peters Church. This was sufficient to accommodate the school until Victorian times when expansion saw several fine new buildings in Castle Street and Mill Street.
There are many famous Old Berkhamstedians including;
- Clementine Churchill (Wife of Winston Churchill)
- Graham Greene (Author)
- A K Chesterton
- Robin Knox Johnston (Yachtsman)
- Michael Meacher MP
There have been a number of famous residents of Berkhamsted throughout history including; Geoffrey Chaucer, Thomas a Beckett and the poet William Cowper.
More recent well known residents include: Graham Greene, Esther Rantzen, Sarah Brightman, John Cleese and Dennis Irwin.
Berkhamsted today is a great destination for a day out, with its many historic attractions and beautiful setting. There is a broad choice of shops, with many high street names, in the town centre with a market on Saturday. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and visit the wide selection of restaurants, pubs, café’s and bars in the town.
