About the book

“This book works... at two levels: an excellent and thorough introduction to the making of England from late prehistory to the medieval period; and a detailed exploration of one of its component parts, a shire with a unique history but from which more universal lessons might be learned. Thoroughly recommended.” Richard Jones, Landscape History

“Tom Williamson's analysis expertly combines archaeological and historical evidence to produce this detailed exploration of Hertfordshire's landscape and early inhabitants.” Peter Bysouth, British Association for Local History

This book examines the history of Hertfordshire from late prehistoric times to the thirteenth century.

It looks at the origins of the county and the early evolution of its landscape and, in examining the subtle and complex relationship between early territorial organisation and natural topography, emphasises the surprising degree of territorial and administrative continuity from the Roman period through to the time of the Norman Conquest.

Hertfordshire is often described as an ‘unremarkable’ county, lacking a clearly defined identity and, lying close to London, extensively suburbanised. In fact it has a long and complex history and a rich archaeological heritage; developments in the remote past continue to shape its character and appearance to the present day.