Hertfordshire lies just to the north of London, stretching from Royston in the north to Watford in the south, and across to Bishop’s Stortford in the east. Although much of the county retains a rural character, its history has always been closely shaped by its proximity to the capital.
For centuries, Hertfordshire acted as a vital supplier to London. In earlier periods, this primarily meant agricultural produce, with many local families working the land as farmers, labourers, and craftsmen supporting rural communities. Over time, however, the relationship evolved.

Today, the connection with London is just as strong—but far more likely to involve people than produce. Particularly in the south and west of the county, towns such as Watford, St Albans, and Hatfield developed into major commuter hubs. As transport links improved, especially from the nineteenth century onwards, many residents travelled regularly to London for work or relocated there altogether. As a result, Hertfordshire family histories—especially in these areas—often overlap with London records.

The county town is Hertford, located in the eastern half of the county. It is home to Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, based at County Hall—an essential resource for tracing local ancestry, with extensive collections of parish registers, wills, maps, and other historical records.

By understanding Hertfordshire’s strong links to London, as well as its rural roots, you can build a clearer and more accurate picture of your family’s past.

The map below shows Hertfordshire in the 18th century. Click on the map for a larger version.

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