Steeped in History, Berkhamsted played a great role in 1066, when, after winning the battle of Hastings, William of Normandy was met there by Saxon leaders who in an attempt to save further destruction offered him the Crown. William ‘the Conqueror’ went on to be crowned King of England and a short while later Berkhamsted Castle was built for his half brother, Robert of Mortain.

Situated approximately 30 miles North West of London, the valley route through Berkhamsted has always been of major importance. Originally part of an ancient Roman road (Akeman Street) it became a major route to the north. The Grand Junction, now the Grand Union canal was opened through Berkhamsted in 1798. Up until the Second World War, the canal was a principal artery of the industrial revolution linking London with the West Midlands. The ‘Father of Inland Navigation’, the Duke of Bridgewater, who inspired the canal system in England, had his home on the nearby Ashridge Estate.

With the arrival of the railway, Berkhamsted continued to thrive due to the excellent connection with the City, still a key attraction to commuters today. However, the M25 is a short distance away and therefore the motorist is ideally placed for the national motorway network and international airports.

A market place has been in existence for centuries and together with numerous retail stores, designer boutiques, antique shops and supermarkets, the town centre provides shoppers with an array of facilities.

Education has also played a large part of the success of the town. The prestigious Berkhamsted Collegiate School originates from 1541 with many famous pupils and providing outstanding records of academic excellence.

Leisure facilities abound and include amongst many the famous Champneys Health Resort, Ashridge and Berkhamsted Golf Courses, Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, fitness and sports centres, tennis, cricket and bowls clubs and of course, the home of Berkhamsted FC. However, the true essence of Berkhamsted is the enviable cultural lifestyle offering a wide range of artistic entertainment for just about everybody with cafés, restaurants, pubs, Rex cinema and both amateur and youth theatre groups.