Hertfordshire

Brewing and its associated activities have been important industries in Hertfordshire for centuries. In this book, Allan Whitaker looks at the history of brewing in the county, from 1700 to the present day

"This practical and comprehensive guide provides an introduction for family historians to trace their ancestors in Hertfordshire. It is thematic in approach, the chapters incorporating related material on subjects as broad as military ancestors and the poor and the sick"--Publisher's description.

Looks at the origins of the county and the early evolution of its landscape, and emphasises the surprising extent of continuity in structures of territorial organisation.

Dividing the county of Hertfordshire into four broad regions--the "champion" countryside in the north, the Chiltern dip slope to the west, the fertile boulder clays of the east, and the unwelcoming London Clay in the south--this volume explains how, in the course of the middle ages, natural characteristics influenced the development of land use and settlement to create a range of distinctive landscapes. The great diversity of Hertfordshire's landscapes makes it a particularly rewarding area of study. Variations in farming economies, in patterns of trade and communication, as well as in the extent of London's influence, have all played a part during the course of the postmedieval centuries, and Hertfordshire's continuing evolution is followed into the 21st century. Lavishly illustrated with maps and photographs, this authoritative work is invaluable reading for all those with an interest in the history, archaeology, and natural transformation of this fascinating county.

Although so close to London this is still a rural area, with quiet country churches with fine monuments, timber-framed farmhouses, and some splendid country houses, of which the most celebrated is Cecil's Jacobean Hatfield House. At St Albans the remains of Roman Verulamium and the great early Norman abbey speak eloquently of older civilizations. The towns offer intriguing contrasts: Hertford, Bishop's Stortford and Hitchin still have the character of traditional market centres, while the new towns of Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead and Hatfield are important exemplars of planning ideals of the 1950s and 60s.

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Hertfordshire" by Herbert W. Tompkins. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

This guide to Hertfordshire by R. Lydekker was first published in 1909 as part of the Cambridge County Geographies.