Hertford: History, Community and Everyday Life

Just a little over 20 miles north of London, Hertford is the county town of Hertfordshire – a place where more than a thousand years of history sits comfortably alongside independent shops, cafés, restaurants, riverside walks and a busy modern community.

It is also a town with a strong sense of identity. And that makes it a natural place for Forest Radio to connect with listeners.

From the music of the 1950s through to the 1990s, Forest Radio brings together the songs and memories that have been part of people's lives for generations. Alongside the music, the station provides community and health information – helping listeners stay connected not just with the past, but with what is happening around them today.

With  Forest Radio having been based in Essex for many decades, there is a long tradition of serving local communities. Hertford is another community with plenty to say, share and celebrate.

A Potted History of Hertford

Hertford's story goes back to Anglo-Saxon England. In 912, King Edward the Elder established a fortified settlement, or burgh, on the north side of the River Lea. A second fortification followed the next year on the south side of the river, on the site that would eventually become Hertford Castle. 

The town's name is thought to derive from the Old English words for a hart – a male deer – and a ford, reflecting its position at a river crossing.

Hertford Castle became an important royal stronghold following the Norman Conquest. The surviving Grade I listed gatehouse dates largely from the 15th century and stands within the grounds of what was once a much larger castle and royal palace. The castle was a royal residence for more than 300 years, and Queen Elizabeth I spent part of her childhood there. 

The rivers have always been important in Hertford's development. Four rivers – the Lea, Beane, Mimram and Rib – meet in or around the town, creating the distinctive watery landscape that remains one of Hertford's most attractive features today. The River Lea Navigation eventually reached Hertford in the 18th century, strengthening connections with London and the wider region. 

Hertford also developed as an important administrative and commercial centre. The historic Shire Hall, market places, breweries, churches and other buildings helped shape the town we recognise today.

By the Victorian period, Hertford was becoming increasingly connected to the rest of the country through the railway and growing transport network. Industry and brewing were important to the local economy, with the McMullen brewery established in 1891 and becoming a particularly familiar part of Hertford's identity. 

The town's first museum opened in 1903. More than a century later, Hertford Museum continues to tell the story of the town and surrounding area, with a collection of more than 100,000 objects.

Hertford Today

Walk through Hertford today and the past is never very far away.

The castle grounds provide a green space in the centre of town, while the surrounding streets contain a mixture of historic buildings and modern businesses. The town centre has more than 250 shops, with a particularly strong independent presence, alongside cafés, restaurants, bars and other services. 

The rivers provide another defining feature. The Lea and its tributaries create opportunities for riverside walks, wildlife spotting and simply getting away from the bustle of the town centre.

Culture is also an important part of modern Hertford. The town has a theatre and cinema complex, live entertainment, community events and a busy calendar of activities. The riverside, castle grounds and open spaces provide venues for events throughout the year. 

For residents, Hertford is much more than a historic market town. It is a place to live, work, shop, meet friends, raise families and take part in community life.

And that is where local radio can play an important role.

Music, Memories and Community

There is something special about music from the 1950s to the 1990s, which can trigger many different memories.

Rather than concentrating on just one decade or one musical style, Forest Radio celebrates five decades of popular music – from the early rock 'n' roll and pop sounds of the 50s, through the 60s and 70s, the big sounds of the 80s, and into the 90s.

But Forest Radio is about more than nostalgia.

The station also provides community information and health information, giving listeners useful information alongside the music they know and love.

That combination – familiar music, local information and community connection – is increasingly important in a world where people can feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available to them.

Whether you're listening to a favourite track from the 60s, remembering the soundtrack to the 80s, discovering a song from the 90s, or tuning in for useful community and health information, Forest Radio aims to be part of your everyday life.

After all, local radio isn't simply about broadcasting to a community. It's about broadcasting with a community.

Hertford: Past, Present and Future

From an Anglo-Saxon burgh established more than 1,100 years ago to a modern Hertfordshire town of around 31,000 people, Hertford has continually evolved while retaining a strong sense of place. 

Its castle, rivers, historic streets and market-town heritage give Hertford its character. Its independent businesses, cultural venues, community organisations and residents give it its modern personality.

That mixture of history and contemporary community life is exactly what makes Hertford such an interesting place to explore.

Hertford, like other communities, has stories and memories to share and music to enjoy. It’s a place where people can connect and celebrate their heritage. 

Forest Radio is proud to be part of Hertford’s community life informing, entertaining and bringing people together.