I have lived in Berkhamsted for over 25 years and became interested in local history as an adjunct to my family history research and as an antidote to my career in information technology.

The parish chest of St Peter's church once held churchwardens' accounts, vestry minutes and the details of births, marriages and deaths in the parish. Amongst these old documents, there was a constables' accounts book with entries from 1748 to 1819. For some reason, by 1885 it had come into the possession of William Philbey, the boot-making son of a local laundress. The book now resides in the museum store and I had the pleasure of transcribing the names and activities of the people of Berkhamsted, including the notorious highwayman Snooks. The resulting article was published in the local history society Chronicle volume III.

As a result of my MSc studies, I have amassed an extensive database of information on the characters of Berkhamsted in the late Georgian period, particularly the gentry whose self-interest facilitated the implementation of local schemes such as the Sparrows Herne Turnpike Trust and the Grand Junction canal. I spent a fascinating term in All Souls college in Oxford learning about Crime & Punishment, culminating in a study of women convicts transported to Australia. I would now love to explore transportation from Hertfordshire or my home county of Shropshire.

Berkhamsted Local History &
Museum Society

The Society aims to encourage the study and appreciation of local history, genealogy and other subjects of historical interest. Meetings are held monthly at the Civic Centre during the winter months and summer outings explore local towns and villages. The Society’s collection of archives and artefacts is deposited in the Dacorum Heritage Trust Museum Store in Berkhamsted. You can find more information on the Society website.

Perhaps the most well-known historical feature of the town is the castle. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle relates the story of Duke William of Normandy, who after the defeat of Harold at the battle of Hastings "marched inland with what was left of his host, together with reinforcements lately come from over sea, and harried that part of the country through which he came to Berkhamsted. There he was met by bishop Ealdred, prince Edgar, earl Edwin, earl Morcar, and all the best men from London, who submitted from force of circumstances... they gave him hostages and swore oaths of fealty, and he promised to be a gracious lord to them." The Bayeux tapestry reconstruction of the last missing panels by Jan Messent in 1997 shows the submission at Berkhamsted (Beorcham) and William on the throne of England.

A comprehensive display of 16 panels of information and pictures tells the story of Berkhamsted in the castle visitor room, which is open from May to the end of September each year. You can find more information on Berkhamsted castle website.