Archaeological Sites in Hertfordshire

After the Norman Conquest in 1066, Hertfordshire began a period of extremely rapid population growth that led to the creation of many archaeological sites that have stood the test of time and enriched the area's history. Arguably the most important are the examples of the earth and timber built castles traditionally referred to as 'motte and baileys'. Renowned for their sturdy defensive fortifications, these castles were perfectly designed for repelling enemy attacks.

The most visually stunning is Hertford Castle, completed in 1174, after full-scale reconstruction during the rule of Richard I. Spanning centuries, the castle has a rich and intriguing history, and, nowadays, the grounds have been converted into public gardens and the castle itself acts as the offices of the town council.

Undoubtedly a little-known fact about Hertfordshire is that it contains over 200 'moated sites'. These constructions were built in the 12th and 13th centuries and are rectangular water-filled moats that surrounded the farms and manors of the affluent. As these moats are too small and narrow to have been used for defensive purposes, the presence of a moat was merely a sign of the person's great wealth and success. These upper class moats are still prominent features of the landscape, with over 30 nationally important examples of 'moated sites' in Hertfordshire alone. In fact, there are no less than ten located in the village of Reed, just south of Royston.

However, the arrival of the Black Death in 1348 had a harrowing impact on Hertfordshire's local history and previously burgeoning population. Estimates suggest that one in three people in the county and across the whole country were killed once the plague struck. It took 200 years for the country's demographics to return to the levels they once stood at. In Hertfordshire, this led to the creation of 'deserted medieval villages' that can be seen throughout the county. The poorest farms and villages were left abandoned, never to be used or inhabited again. For example, Plashes was once a village in East Hertfordshire, close to Standon, before the Black Death arrived. Yet it was decimated by the plague, leading to its desertion and has now been recognised as a Biological Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Nevertheless, despite the horrendous effect that the Black Death had on society, buildings of immeasurable beauty were soon built once more after Hertfordshire had recovered. For instance, the county has been blessed with a number of medieval churches and monastic sites that are continuing tributes to the talent, imagination and bravery of medieval architects and builders.

The extremely picturesque St. Augustine's Church in Broxbourne is a Grade 1 listed building and is just one example of many. The church was completely rebuilt and enlarged to great effect during the 15th century. Its records indicate that the work was funded by the Lord of the Manor, Sir John Say, with the tomb of both himself and his wife, Lady Say, recognised as a National Monument inside the church.

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