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Berkhamsted is
set on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, and it's history dates
back before Saxon times.
In 1066 the town played a crucial
role in the history England. It was outside the fort
at Berkhamsted that William the Conqueror finally accepted
the surrender of the Saxons and was declared King of England.
The Saxon fort was subsequently
replaced by an impressive Norman castle, built by Robert de
Mortain, brother of William the Conqueror. The substantial
earthworks of the castle can still be seen today.
The valley route north through
Berkhamsted has always been very important. Originally
part of a Roman road (Akeman Street), it later became a turnpike
and major route to the north.
In 1798 the Grand Junction,
now the Grand Union Canal was opened through Berkhamsted.
Up until World War II the canal was a principal artery of
the industrial revolution linking London with the West Midlands.
Communications were improved
further with the arrival of the railways in the mid-19th century.
Today the elegant town has built
on its historic roots and is a thriving centre of retail commerce,
with a wide range of other business services.
The town is still surrounded
by beautiful countryside and to the north is Berkhamsted
Common and the Ashridge Estate, run by the National Trust.
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Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted
Castle, next to Berkhamsted railway station. outside
the Saxon fort at Berkhamsted William the Conqueror finally
accepted the surrender of the Saxons and was declared King
of England. The Norman castle that replaced the Saxon
fort was built by Robert de Mortain, brother of William the
Conqueror. Today only fragments remain. English Heritage,
guided tours by prior appointment. Open daily 10:00-16:00
Tel: 01442 871737
