The Town
The town itself is historic. Its first mention in history is in 673 AD! By the time of the Domesday book it was a flourishing town with two churches, three mills and two markets. The name itself is Anglo-Saxon and refers to the ford which was often home harts, or stags. Hertford has regularly appeared in the history books since then, it was even linked by conspiracy theories to the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail. The current population is now around 28,000, and the number of churches and markets has certainly grown!
Hertford Castle and Grounds 
This historic building is part of the towns heritage, it continuously appears in English history. Elizabeth I spent much of her time there as a child in the care of her Governess. When Queen she often stayed at the castle and at other great houses in the neighborhood. Indeed, the castle was intended to be a royal fortress and residence after it survived the Norman Conquest. The parliaments were also known to meet at the castle when there was an outbreak of the deadly plague in London!
Still standing strong from the remains of the castle is the gatehouse which is now the home to Hertford Town Council. This is often mistaken for the castle which sadly no longer stands where it used to; in the enclosed area behind the gatehouse. The Castle was owned privately since the 17th century and now the grounds are owned by the town. Although only the walls and the Gatehouse remain many events happen in the Castle Grounds each year. Shows, Concerts, Picnics are always are organised by the town council and are always a tremendous success. Make sure you don’t miss the next event on these historical grounds by keeping up to date with what’s on in Hertford: http://www.hertford.net/events/castle.asp
Sele Mill 
Hertford, SG141
Although the mill is now attractive residential properties, when passing it is worth remembering the historic value of this Mill. The building standing now was actually built on top of the site of one of the first ever paper mills in England. Its existence is first recorded in Henry VII accounts in 1498! There are still a handful of books surviving from 1994 baring the watermark of the mill’s owner John Tate. Although the mill is now converted the legacy it holds for the history of Hertford town shall remain.
Quaker Meeting House 50 Railway Street, SG14 1BA 
This unassuming building is actually one of its kind; it is the oldest purpose-built Quaker meeting house in England. Built in 1670 it has enjoyed unbroken use as a Friends meeting house for over 400 years, making it a Grade 2* listed building. The building also boasts an extensive library collection of old and contemporary books on the Quaker faith. Quaker Meeting House holds open days from May-September so you can see for yourself the history of this quaint little building hidden in Hertfordshire. Keep up to date with events held in the building on their website: http://hhq.org.uk/hertford/updates.html
