Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire (including Broxbourne, Dacorum, East Hertfordshire, Hertsmere, North Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Three Rivers, Watford and Welwyn Hatfield) is in the East of England. It has a population of around 1,116,000 and covers approximately 164,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, London, Middlesex.
Hertfordshire was first referred to more than a thousand years ago in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Since the 1920s the county has had associations with the British film industry including Elstree Studios, Borehamwood and Leavesden Studios. Knebworth House, has over the years been used as a location in many films and as a venue for events including concerts by a number of well known bands. Originally built during the 15th century, the Tudor house was remodelled during the 19th century with Gothic style features. Facilities at the house can be hired to hold social or business events and there are heritage education programmes available. Performing arts venues in Hertfordshire include Watford Palace Theatre, the Hawthorne Theatre in Welwyn Garden City, Watford Colosseum and the Market Theatre in Hitchin.
Hatfield House was built during the early 17th century on land where the Royal Palace of Hatfield, once home to Queen Elizabeth I, stood previously. The house retains many Jacobean features including its carved staircase and stained glass windows and exhibits include tapestries, paintings and items with links to Elizabeth I. Set among extensive gardens, Hatfield hosts a number of events during the year, ranging from markets and fairs to concerts, film screenings and banquets. Hertford Museum houses collections such as natural history, archaeology and works of art and includes exhibits which help visitors to learn about the history of the county town. Other attractions in Hertfordshire include St Albans Cathedral, Bushey Museum and Art Gallery, Welwyn Roman Baths, Verulamium Museum in St Albans, Cassiobury Park in Watford and College Lake Nature Reserve.
