The Old Town has a history stretching back to at least the 8th century, with its origins as a Saxon village. It was granted a market charter by Henry VIII in 1539, leading to its growth as a market town. The Old Town retains many historic buildings, including Tudor half-timbered structures, Georgian shops, and Victorian architecture, offering a glimpse into the town's past.
The medieval period, from which much of the present form of the Old Town is thought to date, sees planned development along the High Street with a number of long, deep plots retaining their historic boundaries from this period. The early 16th-century granting of a borough charter, together with the right to hold a weekly market and yearly fair, secured the continued development of the town to what is seen today.
Timings
- Sunday 13 September:
- 10.00
- Tuesday 15 September:
- 10.00
Location & directions
St Mary's Church, High Street, Old Town, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 3AE
- Directions:
- Park in the Old Town High Street carpark, HP1 3AQ (charges apply) or Gadebridge Park car park (free)
We will meet for the start of the tour immediately outside the main entrance to St Mary's Church. This is a circular walk so the tour will conclude here.
- Contact on day:
- Alan Olive
- Telephone number:
- +447879435485
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Use the first listed link for the walk on Sunday 13 September and use the second listed event ('alternative booking website') for the walk on Tuesday 15 September.
Please cancel your booking if you find you are unable to attend as this allows us to accommodate other people. Thank you.
- Booking contact name:
- Alan Olive
- Booking telephone number:
- +447879435485
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-days-hemel-hempstead-old-town-guided-walk-tickets-1995105844287?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
- Alternative booking website:
- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-days-hemel-hempstead-old-town-guided-walk-tickets-1995106368856?lid=mhwkwiitinr1&utm_source=braze&utm_medium=ebml&utm_campaign=clpo_ceex_lcm_fad_mec_mc_mum_0_0_eventpublished&utm_term=Main_EventPublishedSubFree
- Booking opens:
- 20 Aug 2026 12:30 PM
- Booking closes:
- 11 Sep 2026 12:30 PM
Accessibility details
This is a outdoor activity so please dress appropriate to the prevailing weather. There are public toilets at the Old Town Hall.
Additional information
We are walking on public pathways which are mainly paved, suitable walking footwear is advised.
- Max number of people:
- 20
- Estimated duration:
-
2 hour(s)
0 minute(s)
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