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Hemel Hempstead
lies to the west of
the county, one of Hertfordshire's 'New Towns'.
These were created after World
War II to relieve London's chronic housing problems and overcrowding.
Industrial development was incorporated into the plans so
that the new towns did not simply become domitory suburbs
of the capital.
Like Stevenage (Britain's first
New Town), Hemel Hempstead was developed around an attractive
old town which still exists today. The town's 12th century
church has survived and elsewhere there are attractive Tudor
and Georgian buildings.
The remains of a Roman villa
can be found in Gadebridge Park near Picotts End, to the north-west
of the old town.
The modern town has excellent
shopping facilities, notably at the Marlowes Shopping Centre
and Jarman Park. One of Hertfordshire's largest industrial
and commercial areas, Hemel Hempstead now benefits from the
close proximity of the M1 and M25.
Hundreds of businesses are based
here and Kodak have made Hemel Hempstead their European headquarters.
The town is famous for its 'Magic
Roundabout'. Built in 1973 to cope with the increased
congestion as Hemel Hempstead grew, the roundabout allows
traffic to go around in both directions.
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Hemel
Hempstead
