Historical Berkhamsted:
Berkhamsted received a grant of a full charter of incorporation from James I in 1618, but the Corporation had ceased to exist by 1662-63.Historic Berkhamsted. Berkhamsted is a lively town set in a valley of the Chiltern hills with a history going back beyond Saxon times. Its claim to fame includes strong royal, literary and teaching connections.’
So, Berkhamsted Town Council opens its 'Berkhamsted Heritage Walk' leaflet. This partners the 32 blue plaques that have recently been installed on some of the town's most significant buildings. It was outside the Saxon fort that became Berkhamsted castle that William the Conqueror was finally handed the English crown in 1066. Still remaining after a thousand years are the substantial earthworks on which the Norman castle was built. The favourite home of the Black Prince, who honeymooned here with the Fair Maid of Kent, Geoffrey Chaucer was once its Clerk of Works.
Berkhamsted School:
Berkhamsted School was founded in 1541. Hymnist and poet, William Cowper was born in the Rectory here, less than two hundred years before Graham Greene was born at Berkhamsted School. James Barrie often stayed here and the children who lived in that house were the inspiration for Peter Pan. A few doors down the High Street Clementine Hozier lived and went to the Girls' school, now part of the co-educational Berkhamsted Collegiate School. She became the wife of Sir Winston Churchill.
Some of the many distinguished Old Berkhamstedians include Claude Cockburn, Peter Quennell, Richard Mabey, Michael Meacher and Robin Knox-Johnston. The valley route north through Berkhamsted has always been of major importance. Originally part of an ancient Roman road (Akeman Street) it became a turnpike and major route to the north.
Grand Union Canal and modern times:
The Grand Junction, now the Grand Union canal was opened through Berkhamsted in 1798. Up until the Second World War, the canal was a principal artery of the industrial revolution linking London with the West Midlands. The 'Father of Inland Navigation', the Duke of Bridgewater, who inspired the canal system in England, had his home 'up on the hill', at Ashridge.
Then, of course, the railway came. Berkhamsted is less than 40 minutes from London, Euston. Around £15 will buy you access to London and the whole of its underground and bus transport system for a day.
Other Activities:
Champneys Spa, Wipsnade Zoo,Chiltern Hills, Ashridge Estate
