Introducing Hatfield

Dating back to Saxon times, the village of Hatfield was first known as "Hetfelle" and then became known as "Haethfeld" when around 970 King Edgar gave 5,000 acres to the monastery of Ely. No records remain from this time until 1226 when Henry III granted the Bishops of Ely rights to an annual four-day fair and a weekly market. Old Hatfield retains many historic buildings notably the Old Palace, St. Etheldreda's Church and Hatfield House.

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	The Old Palace was built by the Bishop of Ely, Cardinal Morton, in 1497 during the reign of Henry VII and the only surviving wing is still used today for Elizabethan Banquets. St. Etheldreda's Church was founded by the monks from Ely and the first wooden church, built in 1285, was probably sited where the existing building stands overlooking the Old Town.

Perhaps the most famous local historical landmark is Hatfield House, seat of the Cecil family, whose history is not only closely interwoven with that of the town but also of Tudor times. Princess Elizabeth Tudor was confined for three years in what is now known as "The Old Palace" in Hatfield Park. It was here in 1558, whilst said to be sitting under an oak tree in the Park, that she learned that she had become Queen following the death of her half-sister, Mary. Records show that within a few days the young Queen Elizabeth held her first Council in the Great Hall (The Old Palace) of Hatfield.

The opening of the de Havilland aircraft factory prior to the Second World War resulted in further rapid growth of the town. The birthplace of the Mosquito, Comet and Trident ensured that the name of Hatfield will forever be linked with the history of British Aviation. The de Havilland Company, later Hawker Siddeley and finally British Aerospace became the district's largest employers. The urgent post-war demand for new housing and the growth, locally, of de Havilland's and other factories resulted in Hatfield being designated as one of the eight "new towns" to ring London. Distinct "new town" characteristics are the number of trees and open spaces which were outlined in the original design. The closing of British Aerospace in 1992 had a serious impact on the area. However, with Hatfield Business Park and the University of Hertfordshire already established and expanding and the redevelopment of the airfield site taking shape, the future of the Town is exceptionally promising.

The population of Hatfield has expanded to over 28,000 and is still growing. Situated in the south of Hertfordshire, Hatfield is 20 miles to the north of London and separated from the city by the Green Belt. The town has excellent transport links with the nearest airport at Luton only 14 miles away. The A1(M) and, a few miles to the South, the M25 make for easy access to Heathrow and Gatwick by car. The main railway link from London to York runs through the district and there is a 22-minute commuter service to London.

PLACES OF INTEREST TO VISIT

Hatfield House, Park and Gardens
A stunning Jacobean house within its own Great Park where Elizabeth 1 spent much of her childhood. It has been the home of the Cecil family for 400 years. There are magnificent organic gardens, nature trails, a children's play area, the national collection of model soldiers, gift and garden shops and a licensed restaurant.

Lord Salisbury allows residents of Hatfield Parish to walk in the park. Passes are available from Fore Street Lodge (9-4, Mon - Fri). Evidence of residency and a passport photo are required. Open: (late March - late Sept). House: Tue - Fri (guided tours only) 12 -4, Sat & Sun 1 - 4.30, Bank Holidays Mon 11 - 4.30. Gardens: as house, 11 - 6. Park: as house and Mon, 10.30 - 8. NB Every Friday (except during major events) the house, park and all the gardens are open for Connoisseurs. Events and Elizabethan Banquets are held throughout the year. Telephone the Curator's Office 01707 287010 for further details.

Mill Green Museum & Water Mill, Mill Green, Hatfield
The Museum and the Mill are open to the public throughout the year. Tues-Fri 10-5, weekends and Bank Holidays 2-5. For further details Tel: 01707 271362
Welwyn Roman Bath House, Dickets Mead, Welwyn By-Pass.
Open to the public January to November Sat, Sun, & Bank Holidays 2 - 5 (dusk if earlier) School Holidays (except December) Mon - Sun 2 - 5 (or dusk if earlier). For further details Tel: 01707 271362

Symondshyde Great Wood
Woodland Walks and picnic area. Entrance from Hammonds Lane.