The town has always been of strategic importance and the Normans built a castle here after the Battle of Hastings. Flour mills and malting played a major part in the town's prosperity and much of this produce was transported by barge to London. In the 1700's the great improvements made to the Lee Navigation canal system gave a great boost to the town's economy.

This prosperity has continued to this day, with two mainline stations serving London's Liverpool Street, Moorgate and Kings Cross approximately 45 minutes travelling time. Road links include the A10, A414 and A1(M) whilst Stanstead Airport is only approximately 30 minutes away

Hertford has retained many fine old buildings, including some outstanding pargeted houses in Fore Street, an antique shop in Andrew Street is housed in a splendid 15th century building and the worlds oldest Quaker Meeting House founded by George Fox in 1669 is still in tact to this day.

In more recent times, Hertford's busy market town centre is a hive of activity with a wide choice of restaurants, bars and boutique hotels.