The valley in which Berkhamsted lies is the main route through the Chilterns for road, rail and canal. This route has been used since pre-Roman times giving the area a wealth of history.

Berkhamsted Castle has its claim to fame as being the place where William the Conqueror was crowned King of England in 1066.

The building of the Grand Union Canal in the eighteenth century brought trade and money to the town. 100 years later the railway line took over as the main means of transport from London to Birmingham and beyond. In 1993 a by-pass was opened taking through traffic out of the town, allowing the centre to be restored as a market town again.

On the hills above the town lies the Ashridge Estate, now owned by the National Trust. Acres of wooded hillside contain traditional beech and oak under which deer can often be seen.

Last updated 17th September 1995