Berkhamsted is a lively town in the Chiltern Hills with a history stretching back to before the Anglo-Saxons. Substantial ruins of the Norman castle remain, later associated with the Black Prince and Geoffrey Chaucer. Berkhamsted School was founded in 1541 and the High Street and the medieval core of the town contain numerous ancient and listed buildings, many of which are timber framed. In later years Berkhamsted’s prosperity was aided by connections with London and the Midlands through turnpike roads, the Grand Junction Canal and the railways. The Victorian Town Hall still stands, saved from demolition in the 1980s, as does writer Graham Greene’s birthplace, and more modern buildings include the popular art deco Rex cinema.Berkhamsted in 50 Buildings explores the history of this town in Hertfordshire through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures, showing the changes that have taken place over the years. The book will appeal to all those who live in Berkhamsted or who have an interest in the area.
