Peter Jeffree – författare

The River Lea and its crossing at Hertford lie at the heart of the town's history. Before the Norman Conquest the river formed a natural boundary between the Danelaw to the north and Saxon Wessex to the south. Saxon villages already existed at Bengeo and Hertingfordbury and, in 911 and 912, Edward the Elder, son of Alfred the Great, founded two fortified burhs, north and south of the Lea crossing. Following the Norman Conquest a castle was established at Hertford, together with a priory and a new mill. For the next 300 years the castle was a royal residence. With the patronage of kings and queens, together with the town's agricultural base, Hertford prospered. This continued throughout the centuries, most notably in the Victorian era, which saw increased building as transport links to London improved and industry grew. Today Hertford is a thriving and rapidly expanding town, with a wealth of history that is demonstrated through its rich architectural heritage.In this book, Paul Rabbitts and Peter Jeffree present a well-illustrated and accessible perspective highlighting fifty of Hertford’s significant buildings and landmarks. Each one has its place in the history of the county town and the lives of its people. From pubs to churches and the Corn Exchange, the buildings featured were used for a variety of purposes and designed in many contrasting styles. This engaging architectural tour is a fascinating exploration of a significant aspect of the town’s history and reveals its changing face across the centuries. This book will appeal to residents, visitors, local historians and all those with links to the town.

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.

Hitchin is one of the oldest towns in Hertfordshire, with origins in the Saxon period. Mediaeval Hitchin grew wealthy on grain, sheep, cattle, cloth-making, brewing, tanning and associated trades and the wealth can be seen in the fabric of St Mary’s Church. In the 16th century, new prosperity came with malting and brewing and by 1700 it was second in size in the county only to St Albans. Many timber-framed buildings acquired classical brick fronts in the Georgian period, the first steps towards a local hospital were taken and new schools built. By the nineteenth century the railway brought new business to Hitchin and the town was grossly overcrowded but slum clearance began while the town retained its character as a market town, with its fine Market Square. Today many industries have moved away but Hitchin is fortunate in having retained a large number of fine buildings across a range of architectural styles and eras.Hitchin 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 Hitchin or who have an interest in the area.