"Berkhamsted" Berkhampstead by Willettsworld

Berkhamsted is an historic town of around 16,500 people, situated in the west of Hertfordshire, between the towns of Tring and Hemel Hempstead. It's history dates back to Saxon times and its name refers to a 'homestead amongst the hills' (Saxon - bergs). Berkhamsted was the terminating point of the Norman invasion of 1066. Having defeated Harold II and the English at Hastings, William the Conqueror led the Norman invading army to circle London crossing the Thames at Wallingford making for Berkhamsted. This is where William of Normandy became William the Conqueror. He built a wooden castle here in 1066 which was then rebuilt in stone in the 1080s and became a favourite home of Norman and Plantagenet monarchs. It remained a Royal Castle until it was abandoned in 1495. Much of the stonework was plundered for building materials for the town and nearby Berkhamsted Place (demolished in 1967) but the impressive earthworks and two of the original three moats remain. Berkhamsted is a pleasant middle-class town with a nice church and some wonderful old buildings along its High Street. It is also home to the oldest extant shop in Britain with structural timbers dating back to between 1277 and 1297. It also has the Grand Union Canal flowing through it. All of this makes it a pleasant day-trip from London. Simply hop on board a train from London's Euston station.