Hertford (9322), although by no means the largest town as regards the number of its population, occupies the first place, as being the county-town, and the only one in Hertfordshire where assizes are held. It is also a market-town and borough (with a mayor and corporation), and formerly returned members of its own to Parliament, although now it is only the centre of a parliamentary division of the county. In addition to the assizes for the whole county, quarter-sessions for the eastern division of Hertfordshire are held in the Shire Hall. The site of Hertford Castle—a building of great antiquity—is now used as the Judges’ lodgings in assize time. Hertford has branches of Christ’s Hospital, for both boys and girls; and within a short distance is Haileybury College, now a public school, but formerly the training-place for the civil service of the old East India Company. Hertford is served by branches of both the Great Eastern and Great Northern Railways, and has also water communication with London by way of the Lea. It is a centre of the waning malting industry. The old church was burnt down some years ago. (pp. [3], [20], [31], [34], [79], [81], [84], [92], [94], [111], [126], [134], [136], [138], [139], [141], [147].)
The College Chapel, Haileybury
Hertingfordbury (733), a village on the railway to the west of Hertford, dating from Norman times. The manor of Roxford was granted by William the Conqueror to Goisfrede de Beck for good service rendered.
Hexton (155), a village in a small parish of Cassio Hundred on the north border of the county jutting into Bedfordshire. Ancient coins have been found in the parish, which includes the old earthwork known as Ravensburgh Castle. Hexton seems to have been granted on two occasions to the monastery of St Alban.
Hitchin (10,072) is one of the most ancient towns in the county, and is now an important railway centre, as it is the starting point of the Royston and Cambridge branch of the Great Northern Railway, on the main line of which the town itself is situated. Hitchin is one of the four parliamentary centres of the county, and is noted for its corn and cattle market, and also as being one of the few places in England where lavender is cultivated for commercial purposes. Hitchin preserves the remnant of an ancient monastery in the almshouses known as the Biggin, and teems with buildings and sites of antiquarian interest. Petty sessions are held in the town. The parish church is one of great beauty and interest, mainly of the Decorated and Perpendicular styles. A picture of the Adoration of the Magi presented in 1774 is believed to be by Rubens. (pp. [14], [68], [69], [74], [105], [106], [108], [120], [128], [136], [141], [142], [145], [149].)
Hoddesdon (4711), an ancient market-town on the eastern border of the county, approached from either the Broxbourne or Rye House stations of the Great Eastern Railway. It is intimately connected with the story of the Rye House Plot (see page [85]). It may be mentioned here that the “great bed of Ware” is now preserved at the Rye House. (pp. [85], [86].)
The Hormeads—Great Hormead (376), Little Hormead (128)—two villages, near the Quin about two miles east of Buntingford, while the latter is about half a mile south of the same. Both date from the time of the Conqueror.
Ippolits or Hippolits (840), a village in the Hundred of Hitchin, dedicated to St Hippolytus patron saint of horses. Travellers used to take their horses to the high altar, where miracles were performed on untamed colts.
Kensworth (516), a small and ancient village in Dacorum Hundred dating from the time of Edward the Confessor, and formerly belonging to St Paul’s Cathedral. The small church dates from about the year 1100, although the tower is later. (pp. [88], [90], [98].)