Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Hoddesdon has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Hoddesdon.
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Sights in Hoddesdon
Hoddesdon is a town in the Broxbourne borough of Hertfordshire, England. The town is situated in the Lea Valley and the London commuter belt, 20 miles (30 km) northeast of central London. It is north of the M25 motorway, close to junction 25. The town was historically in Essex until 1965 when it was transferred to Hertfordshire.
Hoddesdon has a Norman church, St Augustine’s, which dates from the 12th century. The manor church of St James was completely rebuilt in 1856. St Paul’s Church was built in 1839. All Saints Church was rebuilt in 1882.
The Rye House Plot was an attempt in 1683 to assassinate King Charles II of England and his brother James, Duke of York, and to place James on the throne. At the time, this was a serious threat to the English Crown and government. The plan was hatched in Hoddesdon Row, then a coaching inn on the Great North Road (now the A10). The Plot was uncovered and its leaders were arrested, interrogated and executed.
Rye House is now a hotel and conference centre. Hoddesdon has a town hall which was built in 1858. The clock tower was added in 1887.
Hoddesdon was a stopping point on the coaching route from London to Cambridge and Norwich. The One Thousand Guineas public house on the Great North Road was built in the early 19th century. It was originally called the Eight Bells, but was renamed in 1815 after a horse race, the Newmarket One Thousand Guineas, which was won by a filly called populate.
The town centre has many Grade II listed buildings, including the Rye House Gatehouse, which is now a pub. The Gatehouse was built in 1632 and was the entrance to the estate of the Lords of the Manor of Rye House. The almshouses in High Street were built in 1654. The town has a leisure centre, which has a swimming pool, squash courts, a gym and a sauna.
Hoddesdon is twinned with Hagen in North RhineWestphalia, Germany.
History of Hoddesdon
The town of Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire, England has a long and diverse history. It is first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 where it is listed as a small hamlet with just six households. The name ‘Hoddesdon’ is derived from the Old English ‘hodd dune’, meaning a ‘hill with a post’. In 1253, the town was granted a charter by Henry III which allowed for a weekly market to be held.
The early history of the town is closely linked to the Abbey of St. Edmundsbury in Suffolk. In 1173, the body of rebel leader Thomas Becket was brought to the Abbey for burial. This act made the Abbey a very important pilgrimage site and Hoddesdon became a place of lodging for those making the journey. In 1214, the Abbey was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. However, the town continued to grow and in 1259 was made a free borough.
By the 14th century, Hoddesdon was an important market town and had a thriving wool trade. It also became a stopoff point for pilgrims travelling to the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk. In 1539, the town was struck by fire for the second time and many of the timberframed buildings were destroyed.
During the English Civil War, Hoddesdon was a Parliamentarian stronghold. In 1642, the Royalist army under the command of Prince Rupert attempted to take the town but were repelled by the defenders. The town was again attacked in 1644 but this time the Parliamentarians were successful in holding off the Royalists.
After the war, Hoddesdon continued to prosper and in 1722 the first stagecoach service to London was established. The coming of the railways in the 19th century resulted in a further increase in trade and prosperity. Today, Hoddesdon is a thriving market town with a population of over 21,000.
Vacation in Hoddesdon
Hoddesdon is a town located in the Broxbourne borough of Hertfordshire, England. The town is situated in the Lea Valley and is bordered by the River Lee. Hoddesdon has a long history and was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The town was granted a market charter in 1253 by King Henry III.
There are a number of things to do in Hoddesdon. The town has a number of pubs, restaurants and shops. There is also a golf course, a swimming pool and a number of parks.
If you are looking for a more active vacation, there are a number of walking and cycling trails in the area. The Lea Valley Regional Park offers more than 2000 acres of green space to explore. The park has a number of cycle routes and footpaths. There is also a visitor centre where you can learn about the history of the area.
If you are interested in history, Hoddesdon has a number of historic buildings. The most notable is St Augustine’s Church which dates back to the 12th century. The church is notable for its large spire which dominates the townscape. Other historic buildings include the courthouse, which is now a museum, and the former site of the Clifton flour mill.
Hoddesdon is an ideal place to stay if you are looking to explore the surrounding area. The town is located just 20 miles from London and is well connected by road and rail. There are a number of hotels and Bed & Breakfasts in the town.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing or active vacation, Hoddesdon has something to offer. The town is rich in history and there are a number of things to see and do. With its convenient location, Hoddesdon is the perfect base for exploring the rest of Hertfordshire and beyond.
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