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Hertfordshire Archives And Local Studies

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Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies is the specialist centre for the discovery of Hertfordshire's heritage from 1060 to the present day.

05/11/2026

💥💥The Hertfordshire Link to the Gunpowder Plot!💥💥

is upon us, and we all know the infamous events of the of 1605, but did you know that has its own vital connection to the story?

This was the home of the Catholic Lord Mounteagle, who on October 26th, 1605, received a letter warning him not to attend Parliament (he was one of several friends and relatives of the 13 conspirators who received notice of their intention to blow up Parliament), and thus escape the mayhem of and co.

The letter read: "Retire yourself into the country for they shall receive a terrible blow this Parliament and yet they shall not see who hurts them". Mounteagle's sense of duty prompted him to handover the letter to the Privy Council, resulting in a search of the cellars of Parliament, where Fawkes and his fellow conspirators were seized, and the Plot foiled.

03/11/2026

We are hiring!

Passionate about heritage and customer service? We are looking for people to join our fun team. See more about the role here:

https://careers.hertfordshire.gov.uk/members/modules/job/detail.php?record=1728

30/10/2026

🎃 HALS Halloween Tale: The Curious Case of John Gootheridge 👻

Seeing as it's Halloween tomorrow, we thought we'd share one of the strangest stories lurking in Hertfordshire's parish records...

On October 30th, 1824, John Gootheridge, a respected farmer and churchwarden, passed away and was buried in the churchyard of St Giles Church, . But his rest was short-lived.

In a remarkable note written in the burial register (DP/31/1/16), shortly after his burial, John was dug up by "resurrection men" - body snatchers who stole freshly buried corpses to sell on for medical research.

Fortunately, something went wrong. The register states that the men were "disturbed by unknown cause" and abandoned John's body on the grass, where it was later discovered. The body was then "re-interred", and the writer noted that "a great sensation of course took place in the parish."

Over two centuries later, both the burial register entry and a memorial leaping board/grave rail (DE/X1024/1/44/11) in the churchyard survive as reminders of this extraordinary episode.

Have you come across any other spooky or unusual stories in Hertfordshire's history? Let us know in the comments!

Oh, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN.

29/10/2026

10 MORE TICKETS AVAILABLE!

Due to popular demand, we've been given the go-ahead to make ten more tickets available for next week's previously sold-out talk by Michael Lewis, Curator of the Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition at the British Museum.

Get them while you can at the link below!

https://events.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hals/exhibiting-the-bayeux-tapestry

26/10/2026

This we're offering a glimpse into the Landscape of Kendalls, Aldenham, c1740 - ref DE/B1622/P3.

This immaculately drawn map depicts the estate of , , showcasing an ambitious garden and landscape design, thought to have been surveyed by Thomas Keightley.

Although unfinished, the map reveals an impressive vision for the grounds. Winding footpaths weave through dense woodland, leading visitors past ornamental clearings, a fishpond, and elegant rectangular canals. Surrounding fields are enclosed by hedges dotted with trees, while gates mark entrances to the various enclosures.

Interestingly, part of the garden design has been left blank, suggesting the plan was either incomplete or still evolving when the map was drawn. It has no official title, does not state the acreage, and includes no key, yet its delicate colouring and detailed depiction of the landscape leaves a lasting impression. We adore this.

22/10/2026

📜✨ Create Your Own Medieval Charter! ✨📜

Looking for a fun activity next week? Join us at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies on Tuesday and create your very own illuminated charter inspired by amazing documents from our collections. You'll even get to seal it with wax, just like in medieval times!

🗓 Tuesday 27th October
⏰ 10am to 12pm
📍 Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, Hertford
🎟 £4.00 per child (includes free admission for one accompanying adult)

Suitable for children aged 5 to 11 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Spaces are limited, so book your place via our website today!

19/10/2026

📜🗺️ It's time, and whenever this gorgeous item is produced, we can't not share it with you all.

The plan of Samuel Wellingham's property in St Pauls Walden, under the Manor of Legatts, ref 26911.

More than just a practical land survey, the map is gorgeously decorated with artwork that completely brings the landscape to life.

Maps like this were often created to record land ownership and management, but they also showcase the skill and creativity of the surveyors who produced them. This example was drawn by James Ellis in October 1798.

Isn't she gorgeous?!

14/10/2026

We love this!

This impressive drawing of a bust of William III appears at the front of Accounts of extraordinary expenditure on the stable, 1693-1700 (ref. DE/Na/O5).

The portrait fills the page with remarkable detail, from the flowing curls and armour to the carefully shaded background and decorative pedestal. It's a wonderful example of the doodles, sketches and artistic flourishes that often pop-up in archival volumes where you least expect them!

12/10/2026

This we are in awe of this beautifully drawn and coloured map of the Lands of Kendells, Aldenham, 1739. We especially love the colours and detailing of the trees. Reference number DE/B1622/P2

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Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm

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https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/hertfordshire-archives-and-local-studies/hertfordshire-

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