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Hertfordshire Archives And Local Studies

Name: Hertfordshire Archives And Local Studies
Address: Register Office Block County Hall, Hertford, SG138EJ, GB
Telephone: +443001234049

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Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies is the specialist centre for the discovery of Hertfordshire's heritage from 1060 to the present day.

19/10/2026

📜🗺️ It's time, and whenever this gorgeous item is produced, we can't not share it with you all.

The plan of Samuel Wellingham's property in St Pauls Walden, under the Manor of Legatts, ref 26911.

More than just a practical land survey, the map is gorgeously decorated with artwork that completely brings the landscape to life.

Maps like this were often created to record land ownership and management, but they also showcase the skill and creativity of the surveyors who produced them. This example was drawn by James Ellis in October 1798.

Isn't she gorgeous?!

14/10/2026

We love this!

This impressive drawing of a bust of William III appears at the front of Accounts of extraordinary expenditure on the stable, 1693-1700 (ref. DE/Na/O5).

The portrait fills the page with remarkable detail, from the flowing curls and armour to the carefully shaded background and decorative pedestal. It's a wonderful example of the doodles, sketches and artistic flourishes that often pop-up in archival volumes where you least expect them!

12/10/2026

This we are in awe of this beautifully drawn and coloured map of the Lands of Kendells, Aldenham, 1739. We especially love the colours and detailing of the trees. Reference number DE/B1622/P2

Watford Central Library

08/10/2026

The 9th Hertfordshire Ri**es, Ware.

This striking sheet of Victorian writing paper (DE/YO/1/3) features a beautifully lithographed heading for the 9th Hertfordshire R***e Volunteers of .

Volunteer r***e units were formed throughout the country in response to fears of invasion and became an important part of local civic life. Alongside military training, many corps developed a strong community identity, reflected in items such as this personalised stationery.

Although never used, this sheet provides a lovely glimpse into the pride of Hertfordshire's volunteer soldiers.

Do you have any ancestors who served with the Hertfordshire Volunteer Ri**es, or any family letters written on military stationery? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments.

**es

05/10/2026

On this day is the centenary of the opening of Welwyn Garden City train station.

Neville Chamberlain, future Prime Minister arrived to open the station, on a special train from London at 12.15 in 1926.

The permenant station was designed by the town’s architect Louis de Soissons, surviving until the Howard Shopping Centre was built in the late 1980s. The station booking office then moved to its present location on the first floor of the Howard Centre.

Welwyn Garden City Central Library

02/10/2026

Ermine Street is a major historical Roman Road running from London through Hertfordshire up to Lincoln and finally to York. It runs through the Hertfordshire towns of Ware, Braughing and Royston. Ermine Street was constructed shortly after the Roman Conquest of southern Britain as a main transport route of military troops and supplies. The trackway begins in Bishopsgate, London running twenty seven miles up to East Hertfordshire’s Braughing, part of the main road now known as the A10.

In Roman Britain, Braughing was a pre-existing Iron Age settlement and a thriving agricultural market town, conveniently located near older trackways with access to rivers. It proved a perfect post for Romans to not only carry goods, but also to engage in trade and manufacturing goods such as pottery, iron and bronze. Find out more about Hertfordshire’s Roman Roads on Herts Memories at https://www.hertsmemories.org.uk/content/herts-history/towns-and-villages/ware/roman-roads-hertfordshire-ermine-street

This plan showing a section of Ermine Street comes from the Gordon Moodey Collection (Ref: DE/Gm/296, dated 15 December 1952).

30/09/2026

🔑 Who were the Keepers of the Charter?

Next week you can step back in time and discover the fascinating story of our oldest document. Found among the papers of the Wittewronge family of Harpenden, this remarkable record has a tale to tell.

Join us for an illustrated evening talk on Tuesday 6 October, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, as we explore the document's discovery, its significance, and the people connected to it.

🎟️ Tickets £7.00 available here: https://events.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hals/tbc-how-the-charter-came-to-hals

Don't miss this chance to uncover a remarkable hidden chapter of Hertfordshire's history.

28/09/2026

For Map Monday we couldn't resist showing you some segments of DE/P/P33 - a Plan of Earl Cowper's Estates in Hertfordshire dated 1809. The surveyor was Ed Johnson. We love the image of the two men fishing with a small white dog.

Welwyn Garden City Central Library

26/09/2026

Did you know the area behind The Angel pub on Star Street is still known as 'The Dockyard', despite it being many years since boats were built or repaired there?

During much of the 19th century, barges were constructed to transport goods to and from London. The dockyard was mentioned in leases dating back to 1837, when carpenter and barge builder James Hitch leased the land.

By the 1920s the site had changed hands, and from the 1930s it was used by joinery, timber and building business. From the 1960s through to the 1990s, several small businesses, including engineering firm Pope and Meads, occupied the site.

A fascinating reminder of Ware’s industrial and riverside past!

Ware Library Photos of Hertford, Ware and surround

24/09/2026

📜 Exhibiting the Bayeux Tapestry 📜

Join us for a fascinating evening exploring one of the world's most famous historical artefacts.

On Tuesday 3 November, Michael Lewis FSA, MCIfA, curator of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum, will discuss how the Bayeux Tapestry has been exhibited, interpreted and brought to modern audiences.

🗓 Tuesday 3 November 2026
🕖 7.00pm to 8.00pm
📍 Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies, Hertford
🎟 £7.00 per person

Book now: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hals

Free parking available.

Address

Opening Hours

Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+443001234049

Website

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/hertfordshire-archives-and-local-studies/hertfordshire-

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