Hertford Museum

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Hertford Museum Discover Hertford’s history at Hertford Museum! 🏛️ Follow us for exhibitions, events & news. Visit us for a warm welcome & fascinating stories!

Discover the rich history of Hertford and beyond at Hertford Museum, a warm and welcoming space where fascinating stories come to life. From local history and archaeology to art and social heritage, our collections offer something for everyone. Follow our page to stay updated on exciting exhibitions, special events, family activities, and the latest news from the museum. Whether you're a history lover, a curious explorer, or looking for a fun day out, there's always something new to uncover!

📍 Located in the heart of Hertford, we’re here to inspire, educate, and entertain. Come and visit us soon!

Due to staff shortages, the museum is closed this Sunday. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
15/10/2026

Due to staff shortages, the museum is closed this Sunday. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

We appreciate MSPC Limited for their partnership through our Business Supporters Programme.
15/10/2026

We appreciate MSPC Limited for their partnership through our Business Supporters Programme.

On this day, 111 years ago, Hertford would have woken to a town forever changed.On the night of 13 October 1915, during ...
14/10/2026

On this day, 111 years ago, Hertford would have woken to a town forever changed.

On the night of 13 October 1915, during the First World War, a German Zeppelin airship bombed Hertford, reportedly mistaking the town for parts of London. Nine people lost their lives, and buildings across the town were damaged or destroyed.

Among the areas hit were Bull Plain — the very road Hertford Museum calls home — Old Cross and the County Hospital on North Road.

With no blackout in place in Hertford, the lights of the town may have contributed to the confusion. Zeppelin L16 was reportedly off course, mistaking Hertford for Stratford and East Ham.

At around 10pm, the airship dropped a total of 44 bombs, leaving a trail of destruction from The Meads, across Hartham and the Folly, through Bull Plain, The Wash, Mill Bridge, Old Cross, St Andrew Street and North Crescent, before the raid ended near the County Hospital. Hertford Heath was also affected.

📸 Swipe through the images to discover more:

- The aftermath of the bombing on Bull Plain.
- A novelty card entitled Hertford by Night — totally black. Handwritten caption: ' After the Zeppelin air raid, October 13th 1915'. (Blackout regulations were quickly introduced in the town).
- Zeppelin damage at Hertford Heath.
- The names of the nine victims, unusually commemorated on the war memorial in Parliament Square.

It’s a sobering reminder that the impact of the First World War reached far beyond the battlefields, right into the heart of our own community.

Did you know Hertford had experienced an air raid like this? Share your memories, stories or family connections in the comments below.

So much to take in at this year's Army Museums Network conference! Great range of speakers and some super ideas around s...
08/10/2026

So much to take in at this year's Army Museums Network conference! Great range of speakers and some super ideas around social media!

🍺 DID YOU KNOW HERTFORD WAS ONCE A TOWN OF BREWERIES?Most people in Hertford know McMullen’s — but it was far from the o...
05/10/2026

🍺 DID YOU KNOW HERTFORD WAS ONCE A TOWN OF BREWERIES?

Most people in Hertford know McMullen’s — but it was far from the only brewery in town.

In fact, in 1839 there were around a dozen breweries in Hertford alone.

These photographs show Wickham’s Brewery at Millbridge, where brewing took place from 1826 until 1938.

The brewery was then sold to Wells and Winch of Biggleswade. Just six years later, in 1944, the brewery buildings were destroyed by a German flying bomb. The maltings survived, but today much of the former site has been transformed into housing.

And Wickham’s was just one of Hertford’s breweries.

🍺 Crown Brewery – Railway Place
🍺 Hope Brewery – Old Cross
🍺 Nicholls Brewery – West Street
🍺 Young’s Brewery – Fore Street
🍺 Wickham’s Brewery – Millbridge

Some had been brewing for generations. Nicholls’ history stretched back to 1770, while Young’s was established as early as 1754.

So when you walk through Hertford today, you’re walking through a town with a much richer brewing history than meets the eye.

And if you’d like to hear the stories behind Hertford’s pubs, breweries and the people who drank in them, join our historic pub walk:

🍻 A PINT OF HISTORY
with Hertford’s favourite pub expert, Les Middlewood

📅 18 October

This is the first historic pub tour Hertford Museum has held since 2019 — so don't miss it!

🎟️ Book your place:
https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/select/jxldlrrgynxm

Drop in to the museum this weekend for our 'Stay & Play'. Get hands on and make a monster and play with some of our trad...
01/10/2026

Drop in to the museum this weekend for our 'Stay & Play'. Get hands on and make a monster and play with some of our traditional toys. Saturday 10am - 4.30pm and Sunday 12pm - 3.30pm.
Its Free! Donations welcome!

🍺 A PINT OF HISTORY 🍺Just look at those colours! This wonderful photograph shows the Blackbirds pub in Hertford in the 1...
30/09/2026

🍺 A PINT OF HISTORY 🍺

Just look at those colours!

This wonderful photograph shows the Blackbirds pub in Hertford in the 1960s — a glimpse into a time when pubs were at the heart of everyday life in the town.

If you enjoy seeing old Hertford photographs and hearing the stories behind the town’s pubs, you’ll love our upcoming guided walk, A Pint of History, led by Les Middlewood on 18 October.

🍻 The first historic pub tour the museum has held since 2019!

Book your place:
https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/select/jxldlrrgynxm

Address

18 Bull Plain
Hertford
SG141DT

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+441992582686

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