Berkhamsted is an ancient market town which is situated amongst the Chiltern hills in the west of Hertfordshire, just south of Tring.
Berkhamsted is most well known for its castle, now in ruins but once a popular country retreat of the Norman kings and the site from which William the Conqueror ascended to the English throne in 1066. The original Saxon structure of timber and earthworks was replaced by a stone castle 1080s and became a favourite home of Norman and Plantagenet monarchs. The entry for the town in the Domesday Book in 1086 describes Berkhamsted as being in the Tring Hundred and includes descriptions of vineyards, 26 plough teams and 1 priest. It was valued at £16 a drop of £8 since the Norman invasion.
Nowadays, the town is a thriving commuter town for London and is bisected by the railway line and the Grand Union canal which runs alongside.
The town has many pubs and restaurants and two hotels including the Kings Arms hotel and restaurant.
The town is also home to Berkhamsted School, by founded in 1541 by John Incent, Dean of St Paul's Cathedral under Royal Charter from King Henry VIII under Royal charter from. His home is still standing in high street opposite the Church of St Paul.
The town is also well known as the birthplace and home of Graham Greene in 1904. His father was headmaster of the Berkhamsted Boys' School. There is an annual Graham Greene Literary Festival held at various venues in the town There is now an annual Graham Greene International Literaray Festival.
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