Hemel Hempstead

Hemel Hempstead
Name	Hemel Hempstead
Settlement type	Town
Unitary england	Dacorum
Lieutenancy england	Hertfordshire
Region	East of England
Country	England
Constituency westminster	Hemel Hempstead
Post town	HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
Postcode district	HP1, HP2, HP3
Postcode area	HP
Dial code	01442
Os grid reference	TL056071
Coordinates	51.752, -0.469

Hemel Hempstead is a town in Hertfordshire, England, located within the Dacorum borough. Developed extensively as a new town after the Second World War, it has historical roots dating to the Anglo-Saxon period. The town is situated in the Chiltern Hills and is a significant commercial and residential centre in the Home Counties.

History

The area's early history is marked by its mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as a possession of the Abbey of St Albans. For centuries, it remained a small market town, with its economy historically centred on paper milling and straw plait industries along the River Gade. A pivotal moment came with its formal designation as a new town in 1947 under the New Towns Act 1946, which triggered massive planned expansion to accommodate London's overspill population. This development absorbed older villages like Apsley and Bovingdon, and the town's layout was significantly influenced by architect Geoffrey Jellicoe.

Geography

Hemel Hempstead is located in the Chiltern Hills, approximately 24 miles northwest of Central London. The town's landscape is characterised by the valleys of the River Gade and River Bulbourne, which converge within its boundaries. It is bordered by the Buckinghamshire countryside to the west and the towns of St Albans to the east and Watford to the south. Significant areas of green space include the Ashridge Estate, managed by the National Trust, and Gadebridge Park.

Economy

The town has a diverse economic base, historically rooted in manufacturing, including the presence of the Kodak factory in Apsley. Its status as a new town attracted major employers, and it remains a key office location, hosting the headquarters of BP's UK Fuels business and Brunel University's satellite campus. The Maylands Business Park is a major employment zone, while the Jarman Park retail and leisure complex houses a Cineworld cinema and Hollywood Bowl franchise.

Transport

Major road connections are provided by the M1 motorway (Junction 8) and the A41 road, linking the town to London, the M25 motorway, and the Midlands. Hemel Hempstead railway station is on the West Coast Main Line, offering frequent services to London Euston operated by London Northwestern Railway. Local bus services are primarily run by Arriva Shires & Essex, connecting the town to surrounding areas like Watford and St Albans.

Culture and landmarks

The town centre features the distinctive Hemel Hempstead Water Gardens, designed by Geoffrey Jellicoe. Cultural venues include the Old Town Hall and the Boxmoor Playhouse. A notable modern landmark is the Hemel Hempstead Renaissance RSA sculpture. The annual Pantomime at the Pavilion theatre is a local tradition. Historical sites include the Norman St Mary's Church and the remains of the Moor Mill in Apsley.

Education

Secondary education is provided by schools such as The Hemel Hempstead School, Longdean School, and John F. Kennedy Catholic School. The town is also home to a campus of West Herts College, offering further education. For higher education, Brunel University London maintains a presence, and the University of Hertfordshire is accessible in nearby Hatfield.

Category:Hemel Hempstead Category:Towns in Hertfordshire Category:New towns in England