Hemel Hempstead's History

Hemel Hempstead's history goes back a long way and is mentioned in the Domesday Book survey. St Mary’s Parish Church is one of the oldest buildings and dates from 1150.

Notable Events

Henry VIII came to Hemel Hempstead and granted a Charter in 1539 which also put the town on the map.

Recent Developments

In more recent times Hemel Hempstead was designated to be a New Town in 1946 which caused it to grow from being a market town of 22,000 to one of the largest in the county.

Changing Townscape

This book shows how the town has changed - many people consider it to be improved while others wish time could hark back to the days when small shops were the norm and areas such as Apsley, Boxmoor and Leverstock Green were individual villages where everyone knew each other. The photographs will help those who have forgotten what Hemel was like years ago and shows the places and buildings that have replaced them.