Discover 50 of Hertfordshire’s landmarks and special places, which reflect the beauty, character and heritage of the county, in a new book.
50 Gems of Hertfordshire -The History & Heritage of the Most Iconic Places by Abigail Hamilton-Thompson is published this month.
Hertfordshire features some spectacular countryside, including the chalk escarpment fringes of the Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and many beautiful valleys including the Lea and the Colne.
Author Abigail Hamilton-Thompson has previously written a children's walking guide as well as a number of articles for magazines such as Countryfile, Birdwatching and the former Hertfordshire Countryside magazine.
In 50 Gems of Hertfordshire, she explores the unique locations that make the county special and the many breathtaking views in the unspoiled countryside.
Featuring 100 illustrations, the author investigates the hidden delights in historic towns such as Ware, Tring, Royston and the city of St Albans.
There's also sections on Hitchin, Welwyn village where Vincent Van Gogh once visited, and the county town including Hertford Castle.
From nature reserves such as Lemsford Springs to Roman Verulamium, churches to caves, watermills to windmills, and the geological rarity that is Hertfordshire puddingstone, readers will venture on a journey of discovery around the treasures of the county.
In the book's introduction, Abigail writes: "It was very difficult to select fifty sites in Hertfordshire that I consider gems as there are so many to choose from, but this includes some obvious locations, my firm favourites and some that deserve more attention as they are hugely overlooked.
"I hope that you enjoy your tour of Hertfordshire as much as I have while researching this book."
Championing the remarkable history, heritage and landscapes of Hertfordshire, the 96-page paperback is the latest in Amberley's '50 Gems' series.
It opens in Ayot St Lawrence, the former home of playwright George Bernard Shaw at Shaw's Corner and the location of the Palladian Church, before venturing south to Shenley and the village's lock-up, The Cage, on London Road.
This was originally a prison for those awaiting trial in St Albans.
To the north of the county, there's a focus on the Grade II listed Cromer Windmill, Hertfordshire’s sole surviving windmill.
"Although grinding is now not possible due to the mill’s proximity to the road, the B1037 between Walkern and Cottered, when the wind is blowing in the right direction, the four sails turn, and the windmill comes to life as it would have done many years ago," writes Abigail.
She adds: "The windmill is a great little building and provides a perfect backdrop at harvest time for ardent photographers."
Sticking with the county's mills, Frogmore Paper Mill, Redbournbury Watermill, and Mill Green Mill and Museum in Welwyn Hatfield all make an appearance in the book.
While for walkers, there's sections on The Icknield Way, Cole Green Way, and The Alban Way between Hatfield and St Albans, including the restored Nast Hyde Halt.
Hertfordshire is home to some stunning stately homes and Knebworth House and Hatfield House are both featured, as are the remains of Old Gorhambury House near St Albans.
Abigail describes Old Gorhambury House as "a once immense mansion that was constructed between 1563 to 1568 by the then Lord Keeper of the Seal, Sir Nicholas Bacon".
Panshanger Park between Welwyn Garden City and Hertford was once owned by the Cowper family.
"Sadly, Panshanger House no longer stands but other remnants of the
estate can still be seen such as the Orangery and the Great Oak Tree," writes Abigail.
Ancient woodland Whippendell Wood near Watford and Gobions Wood at Brookmans Park also make the top 50 list, as does the newly planted Heartwood Forest in Sandridge.
Buntingford Lock-Up, Royston Cave and Scott’s Grotto in Ware are also name-checked in the book, as is the UK’s first roundabout in Letchworth Garden City.
Priced £15.99, 50 Gems of Hertfordshire from Amberley Publishing is available from September 15.
As well as in paperback, 50 Gems of Hertfordshire is also available in Kindle, Kobo and iBook formats.
Hertfordshire's 50 Gems
- Ayot St Lawrence
- Shenley Village
- Whippendell Wood near Watford
- The Icknield Way
- Berkhamsted Castle
- Waterford Heath
- Old Gorhambury House
- Frogmore Paper Mill
- Cromer Windmill
- Much Hadham
- Buntingford Lock-Up
- Scott’s Grotto, Ware
- Redbournbury Watermill
- Tewin Orchard
- Cole Green Way
- Ashridge Estate
- Welwyn Roman Baths
- Heartwood Forest
- The Alban Way
- Cedars Park
- Knebworth House
- Rye House Gatehouse and Rye Meads
- Tring
- The Devil’s Own Trenches, Berkhamsted
- Hatfield House
- Thundridge Old Church
- Royston Cave
- Weston Giant
- Great Gaddesden Puddingstone
- Hitchin
- Waytemore Castle
- Welwyn
- Highwayman Snook, Hemel Hempstead
- Letchworth Garden City Roundabout
- St Albans
- Ware
- Devils Bridge, Nettleden
- Amwell Nature Reserve
- Therfield Heath
- Norton Common
- Gobions Wood
- Cassiobury Park
- Mill Green Mill and Museum
- Lemsford Springs
- Thorley Wash
- Purwell Ninesprings
- Tring Reservoirs
- Henry Moore Foundation
- Panshanger Park
- Hertford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here