Hemel Hempstead by NeonJellyfish
Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead is a large town in Hertfordshire, located about 24 miles northwest of central London. It sits within the borough of Dacorum and is part of the Greater London commuter belt. The town has grown significantly in the post-war era but retains a long history that dates back to at least the 8th century.
The original settlement developed around the church of St Mary’s, which was built in the 12th century and still stands today in what is now known as the Old Town. This part of Hemel Hempstead retains a more traditional character, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and independent shops and pubs.
After World War II, Hemel Hempstead was designated as a New Town in 1947 to help relieve housing pressure in London. A modern town centre was planned and built, including wide pedestrianised areas, the Marlowes shopping precinct, and housing developments that expanded the town outward. This resulted in a marked contrast between the old and new parts of the town.
The River Gade runs through the town, along with the Grand Union Canal, which adds scenic interest and provides routes for walking and cycling. Nearby Gadebridge Park offers green open space close to the centre, and the surrounding Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies just beyond the town, offering countryside escapes.
Hemel Hempstead has strong transport links, with a mainline railway station offering fast services to London Euston, and access to the M1 and M25 motorways nearby. It is also close to Luton Airport.
Today, Hemel Hempstead is a mix of historical roots and modern development, with a growing population and continued investment in regeneration and infrastructure. Its combination of commuter convenience, local heritage, and green surroundings makes it a notable town in southern England.
Created: 2 May 2025 Edited: 2 May 2025
Hemel Hempstead
Local History around Hemel Hempstead
There are some historic monuments around including:
High Street Green Roman barrowOne of two barrows on Chipperfield CommonRoyal Palace (site of)Dominican Priory (site of) (excluding inhabited parts)Gadebridge Roman villaOne of two barrows on Chipperfield CommonThe Aubreys campLittle London moated site and surrounding earthwork enclosures, Kings LangleyThe Charter Tower, Hemel HempsteadBoxmoor House Roman villaRomano-Celtic temple complex at Wood Lane End, 280m SW of Woodwells Farm.Wildlife in and Around Hemel Hempstead
Mammals found in Hemel Hempstead
There have been 32 species of mammals recorded in the hemel-hempstead area.
| (Nyctalus/Eptesicus agg.) |
| 55 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) |
| Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) |
| Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) |
| Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) |
| 45 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) |
| Badger (Meles meles) |
| Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) |
| Chinese Barking Deer (Muntiacus reevesi) |
| Common Shrew (Sorex araneus) |
Tap here for more mammals found in and around Hemel Hempstead
Birds found in Hemel Hempstead
There have been 50 species of birds recorded in the hemel-hempstead area.
| Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) |
| Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) |
| Buzzard (Buteo buteo) |
| Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) |
| Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) |
| Black-Headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) |
| Brent Goose (Branta bernicla) |
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) |
| Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti) |
| Common Swift (Apus apus) |
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Fish found in Hemel Hempstead
There have been 20 species of fish recorded in the hemel-hempstead area.
| Bream (Abramis brama) |
| Bullhead (Cottus gobio) |
| Dace (Leuciscus leuciscus) |
| Goldfish (Carassius auratus) |
| Gudgeon (Gobio gobio) |
| Brown/Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) |
| Carp (Cyprinus carpio) |
| Eel (Anguilla anguilla) |
| Grayling (Thymallus thymallus) |
| Ide (Leuciscus idus) |
